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Photographic 

Sciences 
Coiporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STRiET 

WEASTER,  N.Y.  MStO 

(71«)  P73-4S03 


V/- 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historicai  IVIicroreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  c( 
to  the 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


D 


Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pelliculd^ 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


D 


Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


0 


D 


n 


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Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


Theirr 
possib 
of  the 
filmin] 


Origin 
beginr 
the  la« 
sion,  ^ 
other 
first  pi 
sion, 
or  illui 


The  lai 
shall  c 
TINUE 
whichi 

Maps. 

differe 

entireh 

beginn 

right  a 

require 

metho( 


( 

rhis  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous 

10X                            14X                             18X                            22X 

26X 

XX 

V 

12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  the  Public 
Archives  of  Canada 


L'exemplaire  filmi  fut  reproduit  grflce  d  la 
gAn6rosit4  de: 

La  tibliothdque  des  Archives 
publiques  du  Canada 


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conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
fllmage. 


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sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
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sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimis  sont  film6s  en  commen^ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmis  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — »>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — »>  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmis  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film6  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m4thode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

PROFESSIO 


r\rn:n 


MADf;  1 


HY  Tl 


•riR    \   SUDRT  -llMi: 


PUBM: 


AM)  SOLD  BY   THE 


OBSERVATIONS 


ON 


PROFESSIONS.    T.ITERATURE.    MANNERS. 


\ND 


E:\nGRATION, 


!N    THE 


rxrri'j)  sT.\'!'f:s  A\n  c.vn ada 


MAor;  ni  Hr\r;  a  UFsinr.Nn:  TJ!i:r?r  im 


\><vz. 


\ 


BY  TilH  11! :V.  ISAAC  rlDLI-:!!, 

•OR    V    SHORT    lIMr   MlbSIONARV   01    TIIORVUll.L   liV    VONCE   STRfri 
NKAU    YORK,   ITI'Lll    CANADA. 


Nl^AVA^ORK 
PUDT.lSriFJ)  nv  .'.  .;  J.  IIAIIPKII, 

NO.  !1J,   CI.IKI-'-PTRKrr. 

AM)  SOLD  l\\    THE  IMUM'Il'AL  1!0<SkskI,LCK.S  TIIKOIOHOI'T 
THE  UMTKI)  STATES. 


>\ 


I 


Mnccc.w.viii. 


J 


I  • 


Hi  < 


Pn  Er  wK. 


Kea.son-.  fui 
Voi!v— Ii 
aiuJ  Fuel 
tcis  of  Ir 
( '!orffy  in 


►Sauncrit  Pri 

Loariiin<r 
Cliaracte 


W.  To  I 


63  V 


OI.KVKlillC, 


Priiif 


or. 


I'SOV-i-lrL'Ct. 


Roa-ions  foi 
Languagi 
nation  ol" 
Irish  Clap 
— Americ 
ican  Sclio 


Story  of  a 
Teaching 
England— 
The  New 
Teaching 
United  St 
moncv — [ 


CONTENTS. 


' 


BOOK  I. 
UNITED   STATES. 


Vn  v.r\i-F.. 


raj:f. 
.     vu 


CriAPTEll  I. 

Reason-,  fur  Emigrating — The  V^oyage,  and  Firat  View  of  New- 
Yoriv — Iiiiprcssions  on  Landing,  and  High  Price  of  Lodgings 
and  Fuel — Miisctllancous  Particulars,  upon  Delivery  of  I-<i- 
Icis  of  Introduction — Remarks  on  the  Episcopal  Clmnh  ami 
Clergy  in  tlic  United  States — American  Marriage '^ 

CHAPTER  H. 

.■Sanscrit  I'rinting — Poverty  of  Clergy — Influence  of  Clergy — 
Changes  in  Professions — Emoluments  of  Clergy — Stati'  of 
Learning — Prospects  of  Englisli  Clergymen  in  the  States — 
Character  of  American  Clergy — Methodist  Bigotry 27 

CHAPTER  II. 

Roa«:r>n3  lor  Abandoning  the  Idea  of  Teacliing  the  Eastoi'.i 
Languages  in  the  United  States — Day-Schools — Insubordi- 
nation of  Pupils — Anecdote  of  the  Blind  Teacher — Of  an 
Irish  Classical  Teacher — Sad  Tale  of  a  Village  Schooimasti  i- 
— American  Insensibility — Farther  opinions  concerning  Amer- 
ican Schools V) 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Story  of  a  Stranger  and  his  Travels — Of  his  Book,  and  his 
Teaching  Experience — Case  of  a  Young  Schoolmaster  from 
England — His  Sanguine  Hopes,  and  hm  Disappointments — 
The  New-York  ProprieU>ry  School — Low  State  of  Greek 
Teaching  in  New-York — Distaste  for  Improvements  in  tlie 
United  States,  that  do  not  Promise  Immediate  Return  in 
money— Determination  to  proceed  to  Boston 4}{ 


h 


I  1  'I 


i 


iv 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Journey  to  Bo.stoii — Conversation  witli  a  ."Ma!i  of  Loilors  tlicrr 
Visit  to  tjjt;  Stall;  House — To  llit;  University  oi  Cambridge — 
The  Dock  yard — Specimens  of  American  Learning — IJnstoii 
I'.veiiinrr  Party — Prejudices  in  Anierii  a  aifainst  tiir  FhiLfi;-!' 
Aristocracy,  and^  General  Unfairness  of  Opinion  there  con- 
cerning Enjfland • '' ' 

CIIAPTKIl   \l. 

Kclurii  to  Nov.-York — Resoiution  to  I'rocecd  to  Canada — lit- 
lio.-:]jcctivo    Incidents — Story  of    an  American    Merclj;uu — 


Prot 


os>ions  m  tlie   Stat; 


lescriotd  I'V  an 


E 


n2'l 


.uiian- 


Amcrican  Superiority — Our  Uenioval  to  (Janada  Predicted — 
Cuatoiit  House  Due,'» — KH'c(  I  ot'  Captain  IlalPs  Travel  — 
N'l.'-itino'  on  New-Ycara'  Day — \Va>hin[;toii's  iJii  ;h-(.iay  —  Mi.-- 


Ila 


neou 


s   O 


u.se^vation^ 


CHAPTUR  Ml. 


\  i.-il  to  IJKJ  Passaic  Falls — Conv  rsations  on  Eu^Hish  Picform  — 
Oil  liiu  Condilioi:  and  Disai>pointments  of  En;^li.-h  Einic rants 
m  tiie  rniled   States — Description  of  the  Falls — The  Propn- 


)V — American  and  EnLflish  Deconiiii — An  F 


,h  (■ 


IcrL'v 


mai; — Mibcellancous  Remarks -'■» 

CHAPTER  VHI. 

Democracy — Brutal  conduct  of  the  Americans  towards  fvuI.  n.^ 
speak  lightly  of  tlieir  Covcrnment — JMay  Day  in  Nuw-Vork  — 
Silence  and  ilasti;  at  meals — Vanity  and  illihcralily — Amen- 
rans  fear  the  reproach  of  bcinir  descendants  of  Felons— Ciianifc 
of  surnames — Freiiuenl  fires — Value  of  cfround  lots — Ami" 
rican  fruits — Servitude — Comjilainls  of  emigrants — Ainenciii 
Dispatch — Juvenile  delimjuents — Work-house  — Out-raged  In- 
dians — Boundary  line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada.  10  t 

CHAPTEP.  IX. 

Journey  to  Niagara — Accident  in  a  Steam-Boat— Albany — 
American  travelling — Mode  of  Location — Inns — Beautilul 
Scenery — Roads — Two  female  passengers— Methodist  Preach- 
ers— Ancient  Banks  of  Lake  Ontario— Niagara  Falls — An 
Eccentric  English  gentleman  precipiiatea  down  tlio  Cataract 
— A  Solitary  female , , H" 


I 


CONTENTS. 


I500K    II. 
( ;  A  \  A  1 )  A 


CIIAI'TKIl    I. 


Pa?" 


Arrival  in  (,'a:uicJa — Irish  desiTtt^r  fri'iu  tin  Am*  rifiin  I'diI  — 
Kt'co|)liuii  in  Canada — Callfd  on  tho  (lovmiur  nt'  York  — 
on  iIh;  ArcIi(iea''on — .loiirnt'v  io  .Nt'wniarki't  —  W'l'ul  nt'Clrr- 
uy — An  OlTicor — A  tli'jinlation — Iiisiirrcclinn  —  .Mode  of  iiid;.'- 
inf[  aincni/  unnd'ornicd  nii'ii — Di-niagoL'^Kcs  aiul  H.fpu!)ln'a.'i< 
-Journoy   to  Monircal  ami  (im  bee — Ilctnrn  to  New-York,    li'' 

CI  I A  rn;  II  ii. 

>L-cond  journt'V  lo  (.  a;iada — Salt  wcjrk.-  at  Syrai'n-c  \'ov  it:_i'  li> 
Lake  Uiitario — \  brow-bcatcii  Ir.tihniaii — i'arc  on  llic  I,alu'-- 
Arrivai  in  \i.ik  —  i.i.di'iiii.''^ — F»  ll<iw  Lodi-tM'.- — .Nvw  (  i:i;rrL-- 
.MarkoL  n  jiisi' — l\:rliaianit  Hunscs — Kindiu-ss  nf  tiic  Anii- 
doacon — Uur  jiarsonaiic — Kindness  o(  i>ar:>!uoncrs — Mu<!i-  >•!' 
livin^f — Laniliady — V.mkri'  ini|io-tM!i'=.  1  i;; 

CIIAl'TKK  III. 
Cholera — Our  rrt'Siirvation — ll.s  [Movaluncc  in  tlie  States — In 
(/aiuida — Canadian  riiiiantliro[)y — I'rcventi^  t.s  of  Chol-r^ 
--Eil'ect  ol'  Forest  Ilainlde.s — lloinedles  t'<jr  Cliolora — lis  In- 
fuctions  Natnrf — Cases  of  Ch<jltna — Death  oi'  a  Modn  :il 
Gentleman- -(  M"  a  Vuiuig  Lady I,;^^, 

CIlAl'TLIl   IV. 
Dfsire  for    Mnusters — Canadians  fitted   for  Clerical    *  >  — 

(."<dle!fc   and    University Ukshon   of   Quclion — Clerirv    and 

Conirreaatiuns — I'uneral — Lros|iocts  of  Cler^fy — Mctliodist.s 
—  A  Kefornied  Presbyterian — lloman  (,'atholics — I'rcslivt<ri- 
ans — Shakini'"    (inakers — Medical    Profession — Kd  neat  ion  — 


Definition  of  Coinlort. 


CHAl'TLIl  V. 

Lniiirration — Farminir — Forest  Trees — Fertility  of  Canada — 
It.s  InducemtMit  for  American  Democrats — Liberality  of  Cov- 
ernment — Canada  better  tor  Lnirlishmen  than  the  rnittod 
Stales — Distress  of  Kmiyiants — Advantages  of  Emii|"ral)on  — 
Who  ought  not  to  go — Price  of  Labour — Emigrant's  Fond- 
ness for  Canada l'j< 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


Page 
CHAPTER  VI. 

Fanning — Gardens  and  Orchards — Cheap  Grvprnment — Bad-  " 
ness  of  Roads — Price  of  Various  Articles — Fuel — Ncyroes — 
American  Improvement — A  Machine — Canadian  Imiirovc- 
menl — Thunder  Storm — Temperance  Societies — Charactor 
of  Canadians — Canadian  Houses — Canada  Company — Emi- 
gration oufjht  to  be  Encouraged 211 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Cleriral  Emigrants — A  German  Missionary — Removal  to  the 
Falls — A  i)ro;ected  City — Law-suit — Rc[)ni)licnn  Revenc:*-- 
TliP  Indians — Spread  of  Christianity — Cliarartor  of  the  Enir- 
lisli  Eiiiii/rants — (?ustom-House  Officers — American  Inte^"- 
rify  —  A  Miciiigan  Lady — Buffalo — American  judgement  of 
Mrs.  Tro'lo]ic — Episcopal  Synod  of  America — PoUtical  Ai.'- 
sorption — Churcli  of  England  and  America — Return  to  Y.xvi- 
land J  ><^ 


The 
materia 
venture 

Whil 
oh.>erva 
re;i(l  31 
and  foil 
to  Jibrid 
had  aln 
tivc  sty 
Stuart's 
perused 
in  it  m\\ 
rtiitters 
retaine( 
belongs 
tunities 
have  re; 
with  so 

Sens! 
spent  in 
short  tc 
vations, 
eves  of 
giving"  A 


Pajjc 


PREFACE. 


I 


The  Author  of  this  volume  had  prepared 
inaterials  for  a  much  lariier  work  than  lie  Ucvn 
ventures  to  oiler  to  the  puhlic. 

While  in  Canada,  and  alter  most  ot'  hl> 
observations  had  been  written.  th(;  Autlior 
re.'id  3Irs.  Trolhipe's  well  known  pabhcation, 
and  t'onnd  it  nec('ssar> ,  in  eonse(|uenc(',  either 
to  ahrid<^e  iiis  j)lan,,  or  to  rejieat  \\  hat  th.at  hidy 
had  ah-eady  said  in  a  very  jjopidar  and  attrac- 
tive stvle.  On  liis  return  to  luiultind,  j\rr. 
vStuart's  hook  next  a|)p('arc(i  :  this  also  he 
perused,  with  a  view  that  nuthin^'  contained 
in  it  might  by  him  be  needlessly  rcjicated.  lie 
Hatters  himself,  therefore,  that  what  he  has 
retained  and  liiven  in  the  following  pages, 
belongs  pretty  exclusively  to  his  own  oppor- 
tunities and  his  subjects,  and  that  those  who 
have  read  the  above  works  may  yet  peruse  his 
with  some  advantage. 

Sensible,  how evc^r,  that  the  period  which  he 
spent  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  w  as  too 
short  to  allow  of  such  maturity  to  his  obser- 
vations, as  might  make  them  of  value  in  the 
eyes  of  the  judicious,  the  Author  has  preferred 
giving  what  he  has  collected  in  the  form  of 


( 


1, 


'I  ^ 


I 


1^ 


]■ 


\i;i 


ri{i:r\<  k. 


roiivcrsatirns  on  tlio  sovcivil  pf»ints  of  liis 
iiM|uiri(>s,  \\\\\i  known  or  iKinicd  iiidividiinLs, 
whose  nntivitv  to  the  TraiisMtlantic  soil,  or  long 
rcsidoncc  in  tlni  country,  may  entitles  their 
statements  and  opinions  to  resp(M't.  llisoreat 
aim  lias  heen  autlientieit'> ,  as  well  as  that  i\v- 
iireo  t»r  novelty  in  respect  to  snhject,  wliich 
may  be  included  in  the  nature  of  his  proles- 
sional  in(|uirics. 

The  lollowimj  observations,  and  nmch 
more,  were  oriiiinallv  conveyed  in  a  series  of 
iettJ'rs  to  a  friend,  >viio  d(  emed  them  of  sulFi- 
cient  importance  for  pnl)lication,  but  with 
whose  name  the  Author  i>  not  at  liberty  to 
lirace  his  iwiijes. 

Claphani.  May  \sf.  InH:?. 


I 


Hea^ons  for 
— Iinprcs.- 
Sickness— I 
introducli 
the  Unitei 

At  th< 
America, 
as  my  fut 
step  were 
satisfactio 
things  in 
eluded,  b 
disappoint 
ration  of 
tion  of  m 

This  a( 
measure, 
most  saci 
before  his 
of  becom 
fore,  any 


BOOK  I. 


UNITED  STATES. 


!' 


CHAPTER  I. 

Keaions  for  cinigratiriij — The  Voyarrc,  and  first  vinw  of  \ow-York 
— Impressions  on  landing,  and  Jiigli  price  of  lodgings  and  fuel — 
Sicknoss — Miscellanoous  particulars,  upon  ddlivcry  of  letters  of 
introduction — Remarks  on  tho  Episcopal  Church  and  Clergy  in 
the  United  States — American  marriage. 

At  the  latter  end  of  1831,  I  left  England  for 
America,  with  a  view  of  adopting  the  I'nited  States 
as  my  future  country.  My  reasons  for  taking  this 
step  were  similar  to  those  of  most  emigrants.  Dis- 
satisfaction with  the  Government  and  the  state  of 
things  in  my  own  country,  by  which  I  had,  as  1  con- 
cluded, been  hitherto  kept  back  in  my  fortune,  and 
disappointed  in  my  aims,  together  with  a  high  admi- 
ration of  the  American  Republic,  formed  the  founda- 
tion of  my  reasons  for  emigrating. 

This  admiration  had  been  conveyed  to  me,  in  some 
measure,  as  an  hereditary  opinion,  and  was  made  al- 
most sacred  by  parental  authority.  For  many  years 
before  his  death,  my  father  had  cherished  the  intention 
of  becoming  himself  an  American.  Whenever,  there- 
fore, any  real  or  fancied  evil  oppressed  me,  my  imagi- 

B. 


14 


UNITED   STATES, 


nation  and  my  hopes  took  refuge  among  the  free 
wilds  and  rising  communities  of  the  great  republic. 

Educated  for  the  church,  but  destitute  of  interest 
or  patronage,  I  remained  a  mere  teacher  at  home, 
with  little  to  encourage  my  ambition  even  in  that  la- 
borious profession  ;  although,  in  addition  to  compe- 
tent classical  acquirements,  I  had  made  myself  mas- 
ter of  several  of  the  languages  in  the  East,  which 
are  but  seldom  studied  in  England.  In  the  United 
States,  these  advantages  would,  I  anticipated,  either 
be  the  means  of  introducing  me  into  the  Episcopal 
church,  or  would  at  least  enable  me  to  live  there,  in 
a  degree  of  respectability  which  I  could  scarcely 
hope  for  in  England.  With  these  views  I  emigrated  ; 
and  my  observations  will,  therefore,  be  more  full  in 
reference  to  my  own  particular  pursuits,  than  those 
of  most  travellers  who  have  written  upon  the  pros- 
pects of  English  settlers  in  the  United  States  or  in 
Canada.  Circumstances,  however,  ultimately  induced 
me  to  return  and  fix  myself  again  i)  my  native  land  ; 
and  I  now  olTer  to  my  countrymca  with  all  candour, 
and  in  some  detail,  the  result  of  m  inquiries,  and  the 
nature  of  my  disappointments. 

On  the  28th  of  October,  1831,  r  ir  ship  sailed  from 
London  for  Portsmouth,  at  which  ve  arrived  in  three 
days,  and  in  this  latter  place  we  /ere  detained  four 
days  more.  Setting  sail  again,  /e  soon  found  our- 
selves in  the  wide  ocean,  and  n  ''e  the  usual  obser- 
vations which  landsmen  are  accustomed  to  make  du- 
ring the  tedium  of  a  voyage  across  the  Atlantic.  Ma- 
ny plans  1  had  formed  for  intiustry  on  the  passage, 
but  1  found  Bishop  Hebcr's  observation  correct,  that 
a  man  can  seldom  study  to  much  purpose  at  sea. 
Sickness  first,  and  lassitude  at\cr,  the  uncongeniality 
and  discomfort  of  a  sea  life  ;  the  weariness  of  its 
sameness,  and  the  consequent  eagerness  for  amuse- 
ment to  excite  or  divert  the  mind  ;  together  with  ea- 
ting, which  in  these  circumstances  is  a  real  pleasure, 
and  sleeping,  which  is  a  grateful  oblivion— leave  little 


I 


time  or 
Then  w 
fair  ;   a 
felt  the 
voyage. 
sort  com 
English 
versatioii 
P    tive  adva 
I    to  enligh 
i    pcct  in  t 
P    sations 
may  have 
loborativ 
At  len 
can  land 
soon  afte 
ding  wha; 
middle  of 
ican  dim? 
The  fir 
reflected 
also,  blov 
of  what  V 
the  voyag 
had  been 
cold  was  : 
dispensed 
near  enrt 
for  a  steal 
had  arriv< 
delightful 
crowned  \ 
tions,  but 
landscape 
indistinct! 
ing-place. 
myself,  qi 
and  by  ot 


i 


VOYAGE    OUT. 


15 


the  free 
public. 

interest 
t  home, 

that  1a- 

compe- 
elf  mas- 
t,  which    w 

Unite'l  f^ 
I,  either 
piscopal 
here,  in 
scarcely 
igrated  ; 
e  full  in 
m  those 
le  pros- 
tes  or  in 
induced 
[e  land  ; 
andour, 

and  the 

d  from 

n  three 

d  four 

id  our- 

obser- 

ike  du- 

Ma- 

assage, 

t,  that 

[it  sea. 

niality 

of  its 

nmuse- 

ith  ea- 

asure, 

e  little 


time  or  inclination  for  steady  application  of  mind. 
Then  we  had  the  usual  variety  of  weather,  foul  and 
fair  ;  a  competent  share  of  storms  and  perils  ;  and 
felt  the  customary  anxiety  for  the  termination  of  our 
voyage.  My  fellow-passengers  were  also  ol  the  mixed 
sort  common  on  such  occasions,  some  of  them  being 
English  and  some  Americans  :  and  iheir  long  con- 
versations, and  many  arguments  upon  the  compara- 
tive advantages  of  the  old  and  new  countries,  served 
to  enlighten  me  considerably  as  to  what  I  had  to  ex- 
pect in  the  trans-atlantic  country.  Of  these  convei-- 
sations  I  took  careful  notes,  and  their  substance  I 
may  have  occasion  to  allude  to  in  the  sequel,  as  cor- 
roborative of  my  own  observations. 

At  length,  after  a  voyage  of  seven  weeksj  Ameri- 
can land  was  discovered  from  the  mast-head,  and  we 
soon  after  found  ourselves  approaching  the  portru- 
ding  wharfs  of  New-York.  It  was  now  about  the 
middle  of  December,  and  the  severity  of  the  Amer- 
ican climate  began  to  be  sensibly  felt  by  most  of  us. 

The  first  glimpse  we  had  of  trans-atlantie  land  was 
reflected  from  snow-clad  hills.  A  bitina:  frostv  wind 
also,  blowing  from  the  coast,  conveyed  anticipations 
of  what  we  mignt  experience  on  shore.  During  all 
the  voyage,  till  three  days  before  our  arrival,  there 
had  been  no  fire  in  the  cabin  ;  but  the  intensity  of 
cold  was  at  last  so  great,  that  fire  could  no  longer  be 
dispensed  with.  When  the  vessel  had  approached 
near  enrugh  for  a  signal  to  be  made,  a  gun  was  fired 
for  a  steam-boat  to  tow  us  to  the  wharf.  After  one 
had  arrived,  we  ascended  rajiidly  and  smoothly  that 
delightful  harbour.  Several  jiicturesque  islands, 
crowned  with  batteries.  apj)eared  in  ditferent  direc- 
tions, but  as  a  deep  covering  of  snow  overspread  the 
landscape,  the  natural  beauties  of  the  harbour  were 
indistinctly  visible.  The  vessel  was  soon  at  the  land- 
ing-place. Most  of  the  pas.sengers,  among  whom  was 
myself,  quitted  the  place  of  our  long  incarceration, 
and  by  oae  leap  found  ourselves  at  large  in  the  laQcl 


\.- 


I  4  • 


5 


i; 


16 


UNITED  STATES. 


of  freedom  independence  and  equality.  These  mys- 
tic and  magic  words  are  there  on  every  one's  tongue. 
I  shall  hereafter  give  my  opinion  of  how  they  apply 
to  this  favoured  land — a  land  after  which  my  soul  had 
panted  many  years  ;  and  the  government  of  which 
my  imagination  had  painted  as  perfection  itself. 

The  first  business  we  had  to  attend  to  on  landing, 
was  seeking  lodgings.  For  two  rooms,  badly  fur- 
nished, three  meals  a  day,  and  water  to  drink,  I  paid 
twenty-one  dollars  a  week.  Myself,  my  wife,  and  two 
children,  with  a  servant,  constituted  the  members  of 
my  family.  Fire  and  candles  cost  us  four  dollars  a 
week  ;  and  would  have  cost  double  that  sum  had  we 
contiu*red  longer  at  the  same  house.  Our  landlady 
informed  us  that,  from  the  price  of  fuel,  shecould 
not  supply  us  with  fire  for  less  than  one  dollar  a  day. 
We  had  but  one  fire-place,  which,  had  we  submitted 
to  such  exaction,  would  have  cost,  in  four  months, 
nearly  £25  sterling. 

We  afterwards  rented  unfurnished  apartments, 
which  allowed  us  to  be  more  private  than  any  boar- 
ding-house in  New-York  admits  of.  It  was  our  in- 
tention at  first  to  take  an  entire  house  ;  but  on  find- 
ing that  one  of  any  respectability,  would  cost  from 
one  to  two  hundred  pounds  a  year,  we  contented  our- 
selves with  lodgings.  For  unfurnished  lodgings,  in  | 
most  parts  of  the  city,  more  is  demanded  than  for  I 
furnished  lodgings  in  many  parts  of  London.  It  re- 
quired some  time  to  arrange  things  necessary  for  our 
convenience,  which  imposed  more  exertion  and  less 
comfort  than  we  had  beei  accustomed  to.  Our  ser- 
vant in  the  mean  time  left  us.  She  had  been  ascer- 
taining the  value  of  a  dollar,  and  how  many  made  a 
pound  ;  and  most  probably  conceived  that  she  could 
obtain  more  elsewhere.  On  making  inquiries  at  the 
house  where  we  had  previously  boarded,  we  found  that 
the  mistress  of  it  had  seduced  her  from  us.  This  is 
so  universally  the  practice  as  to  be  no  matter  of  sur- 
prise.     But  as  the  former,  with  three  of  her  family 


and  doi 
turned  t^ 
make  m 
peared  tJ 

The  p^ 
was  an 
he  had  li| 
heavy  w( 
been  abl^ 
and  intenl 
He  so  of 
kings,  no 
at  once  i 
sed.     He 
Tamman 
to  think 
entertaim 
hfid  gone 
had  not  fc 
and  cordi 
manners, 
the  Englis 
ous  woma 
dustrious 
and  been 
same  mea 
Liverpool 

After  ^A 
look  arou 
seemed  to 
tress  in  N 
in  Londor 
the  street! 
who  were 
the  excess 

♦  A  plaoo 
cuss  politicG 
qiienters,  as 


se  mys- 
tongue. 

y  apply 
o\i\  had 
f  which 
If. 

landing, 
dly  fur- 
,  I  paid 
and  two 
ibers  of 
ollars  a 
had  we 
andlady 
hecoiild 
r  a  day. 
bmitted 
months, 

tments, 

y  boar- 

oiir  in- 

)n  find- 

t   from 

ed  our- 

iigs,  in 

lan  for 

It  re- 

or  our 

id  less 

ur  ser- 

ascer- 

nade  a 

could 

at  the 

d  that 

his  is 

f  sur- 

amily 


.' 


m 


BOARDING. 


17 


and  domestics,  died  of  cholera,  and  our  servant  re- 
turned to  England  six  months  before  ourselves,  I  shall 
make  no  further  animadversions.  The  servant  ap- 
peared to  be  dissatisfied  with  America  and  its  people. 

The  person  at  whose  house  we  had  taken  lodgings, 
was  an  Englishman  a  painter,  who  informed  me  that 
he  had  lived  some  years  in  Liverpool  ;  but  from  the 
heavy  weight  of  rates,  tithes,  and  taxes,  he  had  not 
been  able  to  gain  a  living.  He  still  had  a  shop  there, 
and  intended  to  return  if  the  Reform  Bill  should  pass. 
He  so  often  spoke  with  contempt  and  bitterness  of 
kings,  nobility,  priests,  and  taxes,  that  it  was  evident 
at  once  under  what  denomination  he  might  be  clas- 
sed. He  was  a  radical,  a  gambler,  a  frequenter  of 
Tammany  Hall,*  and  of  the  lowest  society.  I  blushed 
to  think  that  such  a  person  and  myself  should  have 
entertained  similar  sentiments  on  such  a  subject.  He 
hfiU  gone  to  America  to  improve  his  condition,  but 
had  not  found  that  improvement  realized.  He  hated, 
and  cordially  rallied  at,  the  American  people,  their 
manners,  and  the  prejudices  they  entertained  against 
the  English.  His  wife,  a  most  worthy  and  industri- 
ous woman,  told  us,  that  had  her  husband  been  in- 
dustrious and  careful,  they  might  have  saved  money, 
and  been  independent,  but  that  they  could,  with  the 
same  means,  have  been  much  more  comfortable  in 
Liverpool. 

After  we  were  somewhat  settled,  I  found  time  to 
look  around  me,  and  consider  what  was  passing.  It 
seemed  to  me  probable,  that  there  was  as  much  dis- 
tress in  New-York,  in  proportion  to  the  population,  as 
in  London.  We  saw  and  relieved  several  beggars  in 
the  streets  of  that  city.  The  number,  also,  of  paupers 
who  were  relieved  by  charity,  was  very  great.  I  think 
the  excessive  charges  for  house-rent  and  fuel  must  be 

*  A  plnoo  wlicro  the  lower  and  more  restless  ordnrs  meet  to  dis- 
cuss political  and  religious  questions,  and  not  a  few  of  whose  fre- 
quenters, as  I  was  informed  are  professed  Atheists. 


1 1  't 


I! 


'■r 


i  t 


ii 


!■  i  li 


{ 


r  1  li 

I       I 


1     ■ 

I 


I!      ' 


i 


ii 


H  'lii 


dii 


U 


ii 


18 


UNITED  STATES. 


severely  felt  by  persons  of  slender  means.  There 
must  be  a  great  want  of  capital  among  coal  and  wood 
merchants,  or  a  total  absence  of  proper  regulations. 
Sufficient  fuel  had  not  been  provided  to  supply  the 
regular  consumption  of  the  city  ;  and  its  value  became 
so  enhanced  in  consequence,  as  to  be  almost  out  of 
the  reach  of  the  poor.  The  coals  we  consumed  were 
double  the  price  of  what  coals  had  cost  in  the  summer. 
The  coal-merchants  had  promised,  before  the  winter 
commenced,  that  they  would  supply  the  people  at  sum- 
mer prices.  But  promises  are  slight  obligations,  when 
put  into  competition  with  interest.  We  paid  for  coal 
at  the  rate  of  seventeen  dollars  a  ton.  "While  in  Eng- 
land, we  thought  forty  shillings  a  chaldron  a  high 
price  ;  but  in  New-York  they  were  twice  that  sum. 

As  my  object  in  going  to  the  States  was  to  be  pro- 
fessionally employed,  my  proper  interest  required  that 
I  should  lose  no  time  in  gaining  every  necessary  in- 
formation. For  the  sake  of  all  inquirers  on  the  same 
subject,  I  will,  at  some  length,  explain  the  prospects, 
which  English  clergymen  in  general  will  have  before 
them  in  these  States.  Some  of  the  gentlemen  with 
whom  my  letters  of  introduction  brought  me  into  con- 
tact, possess  considerable  distinction.  I  was  intro- 
duced to  the  Catholic  and  Episcopal  Bishops,  to  Dr. 
Milnor,  Dr.  Waiuwright,  Dr.  Hossack,  some  of  the 
professors  of  Columbiti  College,  and  several  other 
gentlemen  of  all  professions. 

The  intercourse  I  had  with  Americans  was  often 
confined  to  short  calls  and  occasional  confabulations. 
This,  perhaps,  arose  from  the  circumstance,  that  I 
had  illness  in  my  family  almost  all  winter ;  and  also 
from  the  clergy,  with  whom  I  associated  more  than 
with  any  other  class,  being  much  engaged  in  sacred 
ministrations  among  the  sick,  the  dying  and  the  dead. 
There  were,  according  to  the  statements  of  some  cler- 
gymen, more  sickness  and  mortality  in  New-York,  and 
more  calls  on  their  time  for  private  visitation  and 
prayers,  than  they  had  ever  known  in  any  preceding 


winter, 
and  mud 
I  of  quinsy 
I  and  dang< 
I  CO  very,  a 
I  whole  wir 
I  think 
New-Yor 
and  extri 
s^reatly  co 
duced  to 
profession 
to  see  the 
This  arise 
want  of  ai 
and  conse 
literature 
people,  th( 
of  a  Strang: 
commenda 
detriment, 
spectable 
their  short 
such  recoi 
impose  a  w 
hinted  to  n 
rector  of  ( 
"  Many,"  a 
pretensions 
caught  by 
after,  know 
respectable 
nial  offices, 
I  made  i 
in  colleges 
candidly  in 
correct  ini 
worth  or  ac 
either  coUe 


i  ' 


SICKNESS. 


19 


a  high 


winter.  There  was  a  great  mortality  among  all  ranks 
and  much  sickness  prevailed.  I  myself  had  an  attack 
of  quinsy.  Having  known  previously  its  troublesome 
and  dangerous  nature,  I  took  every  means  for  my  re- 
covery, and  suffered  the  less  in  consequence.  This 
whole  winter  we  suffered  much  illness  and  hardship. 

I  think  the  prevalence  of  sickness  and  death  in 
New-York,  arising  probably  from  severity  of  climate 
and  extreme  changeableness  of  weather,  might  be 
s(reatly  counteracted,  could  skilful  physicians  be  in- 
duced to  settle  there.  But  the  depressed  state  of 
professions  is  striking  to  an  Englishman,  accustomed 
to  see  them  in  their  high  state  in  his  own  country. 
This  arises  from  a  want  of  classification  in  society,  a 
want  of  aristocracy,  independent  of  sordid  interest, 
and  consequently  a  want  of  due  encouragement  of 
literature  and  science.  In  that  vast  assemblage  of 
people,  there  is  no  person  able  to  promote  the  object 
of  a  stranger,  nor  to  take  him  by  the  hand.  High  re- 
commendations from  Eni,Mand  are  a  man's  arreatest 
detriment.  The  Americans,  confident  that  no  re- 
spectable professional  man  will  leave  England  for 
their  shores,  unless  engaged  beforehand,  look  upon 
such  recommendations  as  English  lies,  intended  to 
impose  a  worthless  wretch  on  their  notice.  This  was 
hinted  to  me  by  several  ;  and,  among  others,  by  the 
rector  of  one  of  the  principal  churches  in  the  city. 
"  Many,"  said  he,  <'  come  to  our  country  with  flaming 
pretensions  ;  but  Americans  are  not  too  easy  to  be 
caught  by  such  artifices."  Englishmen  will,  here- 
after, know  better  than  to  enter  America  in  pursuit  of 
respectable  employment.  If  they  will  stoop  to  me- 
nial offices,  these  they  may  obtain. 

I  made  several  inquiries  respecting  professorships 
in  colleges  throughout  the  United  States,  and  was 
candidly  informed  by  many  persons  capable  of  giving 
correct  information,  that  no  man,  whatever  be  his 
worth  or  acquirements,  has  much  chance  of  obtaining 
either  collegiate  or  clerical  promotion  there,  unless 


-1 
1 


r. 


n 


"■;■( 


I 


\  i 


L  ii 


'■I 


r  if  'I 


20 


UNITED  STATES. 


he  have  personal  influence  with  a  majority  of  the 
electors.  A  stranger  is  entirely  excluded  hy  such  a 
system.  The  only  thing  open  to  an  English  clergy- 
man, in  a  rearular  way,  is  the  employment  of  a  com- 
mon schoolmaster ;  or  a  situation  far  back  in  the 
country,  where  an  educated  American  will  not  go. 
An  English  clergyman  of  great  oratorical  powers  may 
receive  a  call  from  some  congregation  to  be  their  pas- 
tor; but  this  is  mere  chance,  and  depends  much  upon 
the  degree  of  his  servility.  He  must  entirely  abandon 
every  thing  like  English  refinement,  and  submit  to 
things  never  heard  of  in  his  native  country. 

I  had  no  letters  from  England  to  any  of  the  episco- 
pal clergy  in  New-York,  or  indeed  in  the  States.     A 
gentleman,  to  whom  the  king's  physician  in  London 
gave  me  a  letter  of  introduction,  took  me,  on  the 
morning  I  delivered  it,   to  Dr.  Milnor,  an  episcopal 
minister  of  great  celebrity.     He  inquired  if  I  had  any 
papers  with  me  by  which  he  might  be  satisfied  of  my 
being  a  clergyman.     These  I  had  left  at  my  lodgings ; 
but  I  shewed  him  letters  to  persons  of  distinction,  in 
New-York,    Boston,  Philadelphia,  and  Washington. 
After  some  conversation  on  various  subjects,  he  de- 
sired me  to  call  again  with  my  clerical  papers  ;  pro- 
mising that  he  would,  on  the  following  day,  introduce 
me  to  their  bishop,  should  my  papers  be  satisfactory. 
Before  we  parted,  he  had  recollected  that  none  of  the 
letters  I  had  shown  him  were  addressed  to  clergymen, 
and  inquired  if  I  had  brought  any  such.     My  answer 
was  in  the  negative ;  but  that  the  letters  I  had  produced 
before  him  must  be  as  respectable  as  if  from  clergy- 
men.    He  replied,  the  clergy  of  America  will  think 
differently.     I  then  told  him,  that  among  those  cler- 
gymen in  England  with  whom  I  was  more  intimately 
acquainted,  there  was  no  one  personally  known  to  any 
of  our  profession  in  the  States,  nor  indeed  to  any  re- 
spectable person  settled  there.  He  remarked,  such  tes- 
timony  will  here  be  considered  as  indispensable.     I 
must  mention,  injustice  to  myself,  that  I  had  with  me  a 


testimonii 
beneficed 
London, 
preceding 
I  waite 
after  havi 
other  pap 
were  corr 
ment,"  he 
sented  to  t 
plain  pape 
course  he 
correspom 
Chester,  \ 
signed  Ch 
then  filled 
the  clergy 
letters  of  o 
paper.     Ir 
correct ;  a 
on  the  moi 
but  his  paj 
more  cane 
paper :  th( 
was  now  fi 
this  city." 
manly  dep( 
in  England 
teacher  ne 
tor,  "this 
upon  us. 
England  ol 
gained  pos 
belonging  i 
admitted  t\ 
ecclesiastic 
'%  tected  in  a 
I  ing  to  the  j 
^  around  hir 


'  !' 


) 


j^  of  the 
y  such  a 
I  clergy- 

a  com- 
:  in  the 

not  go. 
rem  may 
lieir  pas- 
ich  upon 
abandon 
ibmit  to 

!  episco- 

ites.     A 

London 

,  on  the 

piscopal 

had  any 

d  of  my 

edgings ; 

;tion,  in 

lington. 

he  de- 

;  pro- 

troduce 

factory. 

e  of  the 

•gymen, 

answer 

oduced 

clergy- 

1  think 

e  cler- 

imately 

to  any 

any  re- 

ich  tes- 

3le.     I 

th  me  a 


CLERICAL   IMPOSTUBES.  21 

testimonial,  regularly  drawn  out,  and  signed  by  three 
beneficed  clergyman,  countersigned  by  the  Bishop  of 
London,  in  which  diocese  I  had  resided  for  the  ten 
preceding  years. 

I  waited  on  Dr.  Milnor  the  day  following ;  who, 
after  having  examined  my  letters  of  orders,  and  my 
other  papers,  expressed  himself  satisfied  that  they 
were  correct.  "Your  letters  of  orders  are  on  parch- 
ment," he  said ;  "  but  one  person  from  England  pre- 
sented to  the  clergy  of  this  place  similar  documents  on 
plain  paper,  and  written  instead  of  being  ])rinted.  Of 
course  he  was  an  impostor  He  exhibited  letters  of 
correspondence  between  himself  and  the  Bishop  of 
Chester,  written  in  terms  of  gross  familiarity,  and  not 
signed  Chester,  but  the  sirname  of  the  person  ^yho 
then  filled  that  see.  These  excited  the  suspicions  of 
the  clergy  of  New-York,  who  demanded  a  sight  of  his 
letters  of  orders.  He  exhibited  them  written  on  plain 
paper.  In  addition  to  this,  they  were  not  canonically 
correct ;  and  he  was  desired  to  call  again  with  them 
on  the  morrow  for  further  examination.  He  did  so  ; 
but  his  papers  had  in  the  meantime,  been  re-written 
more  canonically,  in  another  hand,  and  on  English 
paper :  they  were  before  on  American  paper.  He 
was  now  fully  detected,  and  obliged  to  withdraw  from 
this  city."  Dr.  Milnor  described  him  as  of  gentle- 
manly deportment;  and  was,  upon  inquiry  being  made 
in  England  respecting  him,  found  to  have  been  a 
teacher  near  Knutsford.  "But,"  continued  the  Doc- 
tor, « this  is  not  the  only  clerical  imposture  practised 
upon  us.  Another  instance  was  by  a  person  from 
England  of  a  low  grade,  who,  having  by  some  means 
gained  possession  of  the  papers  and  other  documents 
belonging  to  some  episcopal  English  clergyman,  was 
admitted  through  them,  under  an  assumed  name,  to 
ecclesiastical  employment  in  America.  He  was  de- 
tected in  a  way  natural  enough,  but  not  very  flatter- 
ing to  the  judgment  of  his  auditory.  He  had  collected 
around  him  a  large  congregation.     One  Sunday,  a 


t  ( 


1! 


V  '* 


22 


TNITED  STATES. 


person  of  mean  condition  from  England  entered  his 
church,  and  was  surprised  on  finding  one  of  his  fellow- 
workmen  in  the  pulpit.  He  mentioned  the  circum- 
stance to  those  around  him.  This  announcement  lil<e, 
all  bad  news,  soon  spread  far  and  wide,  and  found  its 
way  to  the  preacher  himself,  who  instantly  disappear- 
ed, and  was  never  seen  again  in  his  former  place. 
Hence  it  has  arisen,  that  we  pay  no  attention  to  letters 
of  orders,  or  testimonials  of  character,  he  they  ever 
so  flattering,  unless  they  come  authenticated  by  cler- 
gymen in  England  of  well-known  respectability.  Any 
person  may  produce  high  testimonials,  forged,  or  from 
l)ersons  of  no  standing  ;  but  America  will  not  be  im- 
posed on  in  any  such  way.*' 

**  Impositions  like  the  above,"  continued  he,  *'occa- 
sioned  a  regulation  to  be  introduced  into  the  epis- 
copal church  of  America,  to  prevent  any  clergyman 
from  England  being  admitted  to  a  benefice,  until  he 
should  have  resided  twelve  months  in  the  country." 
I  acknowledged  that  this  is  a  very  judicious  and  neces- 
sary regulation ;  but  I  also  observed,  that  it  seems 
hard  that  such  as  arrive  with  every  requisite  testimo- 
nial, should  be  debarred  from  the  advantages  of  their 
profession,  because  others  have  acted  improperly. 
"  We  think  otherwise,"  replied  he  :  "a  three  years 
testimonial  is  required  irom  an  English  clergyman  in 
England  itself,  previous  to  his  induction  to  a  living, 
yet  we  admit  him,  upon  proper  testimony,  after  one.  |;?incere  pra 


ilfrom  this  c| 
States  afu 
pfrom  a  deel 
i^which  has 
fiVet  I  mucl 
[.fliimself  in 
'  jhis  favour. 
•  i    Dr.  Mill 
I  jof  Dr.  On| 
J  way  thithei 
\  las  in  Engh 
\  ilow.     The 
j  ;iather  viole 
fienient  and 
hand  princij 
J  i such  as  di( 
I  'though  of 
I  'measure  dis 
exceedingly 
minister,  in 
iof  tiie  lattei 
jcellent  and 
:  estimation  0 
J  This  provei 
^debarred  tn 
r  of  true  Ch 
views  of  IK 


Should   we   suppose 


emigration 


reversed,    and   an 


u 


American  clergyman  to  flee  to  England,  he  is  debarred 
altogether,  whatever  may  be  his  character,  from  ofti- 
ciating  in  an  English  church."  "You  have  placed 
the  subject,"  said  I,  "  in  a  striking  point  of  view,  and 
such  as  does  credit  to  the  liberalitv  of  America.  I 
could  not  desire  it  otherwise  with  respect  to  myself," 
It  is  a  curious  circumstance,  that  an  American 
clergyman,  or  one  ordained  by  an  American  bishop, 
cannot  hold  any  preferment  in  England,  nor  a  mission 
in  Canada ;  whilst  an  English  clergyman,  whether 


I*  gospel.     B' 

ijovernmenl 

I  unite  its  m( 

iiler  them  pi 

The  Bis 

V  himself  pie 

I  had  no  let 

"that  it  wo 

ncal  frienc 

that  I  had  i 

nor  been  o 


' 


PARKY    SPIRIT. 


23 


ot  be 


im- 


ntered  his  j  lirom  this  country  or  from  Canada,  can  hold  one  in  the 
his  fellow,  kstates  after  twelve  month's  residence.  This  arises 
e  circum-  pjom  a  deep  laid  policy  in  the  American  government, 
ment  like,  liwhich  has  the  peopling  of  tiieir  country  for  its  object. 
I  found  its  t^^et  I  much  doubt  if  any  clergyman  from  England  tinds 
lisappear-  ^  jliimself  in  a  better  condition  from  such  regulations  in 
ler  place.  ;  jhis  favour. 

I  to  letters ; !  Dr.  Milnor,  after  this,  accompanied  me  to  the  house 
they  ever  ||of  Dr.  Onderdonck,  Bishop  of  New-York.  On  our 
;1  by  cler-  '  ^^vay  thither,  he  informed  me  that  there  are  in  America, 
lity.  Anv  i  las  in  England,  two  church  parties,  the  high  and  the 
1,  or  from  I  ^low.  The  late  Bishop  Hobart  was  of  the  former,  and 
^rather  violent  in  his  proceedings ;  or,  to  use  a  more 
iilenient  and  modified  phrase,  very  firm  in  his  conduct 
and  principles,  and  determined  in  his  opposition  to 
'such  as  differed  from  him.  The  present  bishop,  al- 
Ithough  of  the  high  church  number,  has  in  a  great 
■measure  disarmed  party  spirit  of  its  rancour,  by  being 
exceedingly  moderate.  Dr.  Wainwright  is  the  leading 
minister,  in  New-York,  of  the  former,  and  Dr.  Milnor 
[iuf  the  latter  party.  Both  of  these  gentlemen  are  ex- 
icellent  and  amiable,  and  stand  deservedly  high  in  the 
|f.'stimation  of  their  tlocks,  and  of  the  public  in  general. 
I  This  proves  that  no  party  possesses  exclusively,  or  is 
fdebarred  from  possessing,  those  characteristic  Icatures 
I  of  true  Christianity  which  consist  not  in  particular 
views  of  non-essentials,  but  in  a  cordial  belief  and 
sincere  practice  of  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  the 
Ig-ospel.  But  it  also  shows,  that  no  form  of  church 
fsrovernment  which  human  reason  can  devise,  can  so 
i  unite  its  members  and  blend  them  together,  as  to  ren- 
|cler  them  perfectly  harmonious  and  unanimous. 

The  Bishop  examined  my  papers,  and  expressed 
I  himself  pleased  with  them;   but  on  learning  that   I 
•|had  no  letters  from  or  to  clergymen,    he  observed, 
I  that  it  would  be  desirable  I  should  wr.te  to  my  cle- 
rical friends  and   obtain  some,    which  might  testify 
that  I  had  not  quitted  my  country  for  any  impropriety, 
nor  been  on  unhandsome  terms  with  the  dignitaries  of 


e,  "occa- 

the  epis- 

lergyman 

until  he 

country." 

fid  neces- 

it  seems 

testimo- 

J  of  their 

)roperly. 

ee  years 

yman  in 

a  living, 

ter  one. 

and   an 

ebarred 

om  ofii- 

placed 

ew,  and 

ica.     I 

iiyself  " 

nerican 

bishop, 

mission 

I'hether 


'■I    i 


24 


UNITED   SrATfiS. 


our  church,  and  that  I  was  a  decidedly  religious  cha*! 
racter.  This  observation  I  immediately  complied 
with,  and  received  several  letters  from  England  Id 
the  course  of  a  few  months.  But  in  the  States  I  did  not 
profit  by  them  ;  not  because  they  were  inadequate  to' 
establish  my  character,  but  because  I  had,  previous 
to  their  arrival,  relinquished  the  design  of  remaining 
there.  They  had,  however,  sufficient  weight  with 
the  Bishop  of  Quebec,  when  I  shewed  them  to  his 
lordship,  to  procure  me  a  mission  in  Canada. 

The  Bishops  of  America  enjoy  no  title  as  in  Eng- 
land, nor  any  civil  distinction.  Their  church,  not 
being  a  national  church,  is  not  represented  directly 
or  indirectly  in  their  houses  of  legislation.  In  otheri 
respects  it  much  resembles  the  established  church  ot 
England,  if  we  except  the  manner  in  which  ministers 
are  paid,  and  the  power  of  the  American  church  to 
reform  or  regulate  its  own  concerns.  The  liturgy  is, 
as  fur  as  a  dilference  of  government  will  allow,  nearly 
the  same  in  both  countries.  The  clergy  of  New  York, 
and  of  them  only  can  I  form  an  idea,  having  heard 
none  elsewhere,  are  very  efficient,  and  very  pious. 
All  the  churches  I  entered  are  well  attended,  and  the 
clergy  of  all  of  them  devout  and  earnest.  I  do  not 
wonder  that  those  who  have  visited  America,  and 
have  compared  the  clergy  of  one  country  with  those 
of  the  other,  should  imagine  some  change  necessary 
in  the  established  church  of  England.  Yet  there  is  a 
dignity  of  manner  in  the  English  clergy  which  those 
of  America  have  not,  and  also  a  much  greater  extent 
o(  sound'learning,  which  I  should  be  extremely  sorry 
to  see  lost  or  discontinued.  These  remarks  I  have 
made  from  no  interested  views,  never  having  held, 
nor  likely  to  hold,  any  church  prcicrment. 

The  clergy  of  America  are  prohibited,  by  an  act 
of  legislature,  from  sitting  in  the  chamber  of  repre- 
sentatives. This  was  not  always  the  case,  but  was 
brought  about  after  the  following  manner.  One  of 
the  members  of  Congress,  a  clergyman,  was  very  de- 


sirous thj 
for  the  e] 
of  his,  a  I 

•  complish 
quent  soil 
are  re  pre  J 

i  word  of 

,•  church. 

1  in  Congn 
promise,  li 
sit  in  thai 
majority, 
tions,  van 
by  a  divin 
From  a 
I  was  pri 
New  York 
and  has  a 

\  we  often  fii 
this  gentle 

4  which  he  f 

^  much  encc 

^  that  there  j 
tholics  in 
observed,  a 
a  great  dee 
blencss  whi 
this,  when 
(lovernor  o 
that  he  ha 
York,  that 

^  that    city 
contains    b 
tcstants. 

The  Cat 
mark,  whic 
tants  and  R 
towards  ea( 
in  the  end. 


' 


AMERICAN   CLERGY. 


25 


gious  cha.f  sirous  that  some  permanent  provision  should  he  made 
compliedt  for  the  episcopal  church,  and  was  urgent  with  a  friend 
England  iDl'  of  his,  a  member  also,  to  use  his  endeavours  to  ac- 
!S  I  did  noil'  complish  it.  This  friend,  probably  annoyed  by  fre- 
lequate  tofv  quent  solicitations,  and  being,  as  Americans  in  gehcal 
,  previousl '  are  represented,  a  summer's-day  I'riend,  promised  his 
remaining:^  word  of  honour,  that  he  would  do  something  for  the 
iight  with:>  church.  Accordingly,  he  menticjncd  this  circumstance 
em  to  hisjj  in  Congress  on  the  first  opportunity,  anrl,  relating  his 
a.  iJ  promise,  moved  that  no  clergyman  should  thcncet'orth 

IS  in  Eng4  ;  ^it  in  that  house.  The  motion  was  carried  by  a  vast 
lurch,  not*^  majority,  and  clergymen,  with  their  golden  anticipa- 
d  directly!    tions,  vanished  from  it   for  ever.     Tiiis  was  told  me 

In  otherii  by  a  divine  of  eminence. 

church  oi}  I      From  an  introductory  letter  from  Lady  Wellesly, 

I  ministers?  n  was  privileged  to  call  on  the  Catholic  Bishop  of 

church  tO'^  New  York.     He   is  a  pleasant  and  intelligent  man, 

liturgy  is,  i  and  has  a  cast  of  countenance  very  similar  to  what 

)vv,  nearly?  I  we  often  find  in  pictures  of  cardinals  and  popes.     With 

»J"ew  York,!  Uhis   gentleman    I   had   a  long   conversation,    during 

ing  heard  1  «'hich  he  flattered  me,  by  saying,  that  1  should  obtain 

ry  pious   I  much  encouragement  in  America,     lie  informed  me 

[1,  and  the  iSJ  that  there  are  upwards  of  thirty  thousand  Roman  Ca- 

I  do  notlltholics  in  and  about  New  York.     A  large  flock,  he 

ica,    and  I  i  observed,  and  many  of  them  very  ignorant ;  but  I  find 

|tvith  those  ll  a  great  deel  of  good  feeling  among  them,  and  a  tracta- 

ecessary  II  hleness  which  is  very  gratifying.      A  few  months  after 

Ithere  is  afithis,  when  dining  at  the  table  of  his  Excellency  the 

lich  thoseil^overnorof  Upper  Canada,  his  Excellency  mentioned 

er  extent  0that  he  had  learned  from  the  British  Consul  at  New- 

lely  sorry  6^ork,  that  there  are  forty  thousand  Irish  people  in 

:s  I  have  B^hat    city   and   its  neighbourhood.     It  consequently 

fng  held,  gcontains    between  five  and  ten  thousand  Irish  Pro 

ptestants.  -♦ 

an  act  p    The  Catholic  Bishop  made  a  somewhat  curious  re- 

[f  repre-  Bniark,  which  I  did  not  soon  forget :  that  the  Protes- 

but  was  Htants  and  Roman  Catholics  are  approximating  rapidly 

One  of  gtowards  each  other,  and  that  we  shall  all  be  Catholics 

rery  de-  gi^  the  end.     I  replied,  *«a  moderation  and  liberality 

0 


•< 


,1 

I    ! 


86 


inflTED   STATES. 


of  feeling  is  springing  up,  and  rapidly  diffusing  itself 
throughout  the  world ;  and  it  is  therefore   prohable 
that  the  difference  between  Catholics  and  Protestants 
may  gradually  disappear."     Before  I  withdrew,  he 
gave  me  an  introductory  note  to  Dr.  Wainwright,  say- 
ing, "that  he  had  great   respect  for  the  episcopal 
clergy,"  and  then  dismissed  me,  with  a  warm  invita- 
tion to  repeat  my  call,  whenever  I  could  find  an  hour 
of  leisure.     I   related  the  remark  he  had  made  re- 
specting the  converging  of  Protestants  and  Catholics 
to  a  common  creed,  to  Dr.  Milnor ;  who  smiled,  and  : 
said,  "  I  hope  all  members  of  the  Christian  family  | 
may  become  true  members  of  the  Catholic  faith,  but  i 
not  of  the  Roman  <  'atholic." 

With  the  above  introduction  I  waited  on  Dr.  Wain- 
wright, who  invited  me  to   take  tea.     We  had  some 
conversation  together  on  various  subjects,  particularly 
Eastern  literature,  and  the  progress  it  has  made  and ; 
is  making  in  Europe.     During  our  conversation,  a 
marriage  party  was  announced,  and  I  rose  up  to  de- 
part.    "  If,  "  said  he,  *'  you  have  any  curiosity  to  see 
the  ceremony  performed,  you  can  stay."     The  party  \ 
was  immediately  introduced,  and  the  ceremony  took  f 
place,  without  any  hesitation  in  his  study.     It  was 
much  like  our  own,  only  curtailed.     The  parties  were 
not  of  full  age,  but  this  is  almost  universally  the  case 
of  young  people  in  the  States  at  the  time  of  marriage,  l 
A  relation  of  the  bride,  a  mere  boy,  attended  to  af-  ? 
firm  that  the   parents  knew  of  the  match,  and  that 
there  was  no  impediment.     After  the  retiring  of  the 
party,  I  inquired,  with  some  surprise,  if  it  were  fre- 
quent for  parties  to  be  married  in  the  clergyman's 
house,  and  at  night  too  1     "  Yes,  "  replied  he,  "  anu 
in  their  own  houses  also,  or  in  any  other  place,  by  | 
day  or  by  night,  whenever  they  desire  it.     Any  in-  f 
dustrious  man  can  support  a  family,  and  that  is  as 
much  as  most  people  here  exspect.     There  is  also 
plenty  of  room  to  spread  in,  without  any  danger  of 


over-popi 
time,    it 
another." 


Sanscrit  Pr 
Changes 
Learning- 
Character 

Soon  a 
bookseller 
and  reque< 
to  get  soil] 
that  even 
which  he 
with  diffici 
even  pay  1 
the  States, 
would  not 
that  languE 
I  had  simi 
firming  the 
if  I  comm( 
any  appare 
of  professi 
myself.  ]V 
to,  or  enco 
of  paymen 
personal  ki 
from  which 
before  ban 
ofpreventi] 
money,  is  t 
literary  m< 
riously  poc 
will  find  th 


\ 


SANSCBIT    PRINTING. 


37 


slog  itself 
probable 
rotestauts 
drew,  he 
ight,  say- 
episcopal 
m  invita- 
d  an  hour 
made  re- 
Catholics 
liled,  and  ? 
an  family  [^ 
faith,  but 


over-population.  If  a  family  is  in  difficulty  at  one 
time,  it  can  generally  make  up  the  deficiency  at 
another." 


fe 


)r.  Wain- 
had  some  J  i 
irticularly ;  ' 
made  and  ^; ! 
rsation,  a  l 
up  to  de-i 
)ity  to  see  |J 
rhe  party  1 1 
jony  took|| 
It  was|i 
rties  were  II 
the  case 
narriage. 
ed  to  af- 
and  that 
of  the 
were  fre- 1 
rgyman'g 
le,  "anii 
)lace,  byp 
Any  in- 
lat  is  as 
is  also 
anger  of 


E2 


CHAPTER  II. 

Sanscrit  Printing — Povorty  of  CIcriry — Influence  of  Clergy — 
Changes  in  Professions — KmolimiPiita  of  Clergy — State  of 
Learning — Prospects  of  Englisli  Clersymen  in  the  State»— 
Character  of  American  Clergy. — Metliodist  IJigotry. 

Soon  after  my  arrival,  I  called  on  an  American 
bookseller,  to  whom  I  had  a  letter  of  introduction, 
and  requested  he  would  inform  me  if  I  might  be  able 
to  get  something  in  Sanscrit  printed.  He  answered, 
that  even  Greek  printing,  much  more  Sanscrit,  of 
which  he  had  never  before  heard  mention,  could 
with  difficulty  be  executed  ;  and  that,  if  I  would 
even  pay  him  for  importing  Sanscrit  types  into 
the  States,  and  pay  also  for  warehouse-room,  he 
would  not  take  them  in.  Both  they,  and  books  in 
that  language,  would  be  worse  than  useless  lumber. 
I  had  similar  conversations  with  other  persons,  con- 
firming the  above  statement,  and  was  informed,  that 
if  I  commenced  any  such  work  in  the  States,  from 
any  apparent  encouragement,  or  from  subscriptions 
of  professional  men,  I  might  depend  upon  ruining 
myself.  Many,  I  was  told,  are  ready  to  subscribe 
to,  or  encourage  literature,  but  hang  back  at  the  time 
of  payment.  I  was  also  assured  by  some,  from  their 
personal  knowledge,  that  subscriptions  for  any  work, 
from  which  no  profit  could  be  gained,  unless  advanced 
before  hand,  would  never  be  paid.  The  only  method 
of  preventing  disappointment  in  collecting  subscription- 
money,  is  the  getting  it  in  advance.  *'  The  clergy  and 
literary  men  of  this  country,"  said  they,  "are  noto- 
riously poor,  and  the  worst  payers  in  the  world.  You 
will  find  them  ready  in  promises  and  encouragements 


li'i'' 


28 


UNITED  STATES. 


but  backward  in  discharging  them.  Their  salaries  and 
incomes  are  often  so  small,  as  not  to  enable  them  to 
pay  their  bills,  and  many  of  them  are  frequently  years 
ill  arrears."  This  statement  was  confirmed  by  the 
testimony  of  so  many^  that  no  doubt  remains  in  'my 
tnind  of  its  truth.  A  minister  in  New-York  had  rais- 
ed, a  short  time  before  our  arrival,  a  large  collection 
among  his  hearers,  to  defray  the  accounts  of  his  trades- 
men, which  had  been  accunuilating  for  years. 

Every  person  in  business,  with  whom  I  conversed, 
described  the  little  inlluence  possessed  by  professional 
men,  and  !)y  the  clergy  in  particular.  Yet,  I  could 
never  perceive  any  reality  in  this  representation ;  nor 
do  the  clergy  themselves  perceive  it.  They  imagine 
themselves  to  be,  what  I  believe  they  really  are,  a».iong 
the  best  informed  and  most  consequential  in  the  com- 
monwealth. They  uniformly  stated,  that  they  possess 
as  much  influence  among  the  peojile,  as  is  necessary 
to  ensure  the  respectability  of  their  order. 

A  person  in  New-York,  living  in  a  most  respectable 
house  of  his  own,  and  conducting  a  llourishing  busi- 
ness, advised  me  to  change  my  profession.  The  rea- 
son he  urged  was,  that  the  clergy  are  without  wealth, 
or  inlluence  or  respect.  He  told  me  that,  if  I  would 
translcr  my  capital  and  talents  to  some  other  pursuit 
than  my  profession,  I  should  find  that  I  had  acted  for 
my  best  interests.  He  also  gave  me  an  anecdote,  re- 
specting the  clergy  there,  which,  he  thought,  demon- 
strated their  want  of  influence  in  society.  The  con- 
dition of  the  negro  slaves  in  the  southern  States  has 
often  been  a  subject  of  deep  consideration,  with  the 
religious  portion  of  the  community  ;  and  their  instruc- 
tion, through  means  of  missionaries,  has  been  attempt- 
ed. Hut  the  missionaries  are,  in  some  of  the  States, 
prohibited  by  law  from  imparting  information  of  any 
kind  to  these  degraded  people  ;  and  some  were  arrest- 
ed for  violating  that  law.  A  meeting  was  convened 
in  New-York  by  desire  of  the  clergy,  at  which  an  im- 
mense multitude  of  persons  of  dillcrent  classes  were 


assemble 
and  were 
Hall.  Tl 
had  not,  a 
properly 
explain  th 
army,  adv 
and  in  a 
surroundi 
those  who 
them,  hat 
that  the  m 
every  man 
was  cheer 
tude,  whic 
laughter. 

This  ane 
me,  as  I  pt 
fession.  li 
by  frequen 
several  cler 
charging  th 
salutary  infl 
portion  of  tl 
kindled  onl; 
mediately,  t 
the  church 

The  sami 
quarters,  I 
specting  it. 
is  no  unusu 
master,  doc 
engaged  als 
classes  of  si 
clc  of  trade 
formerly. 
workmen,  t 
'numbers  of 
has  ever  lea 


i 


V 


IXPLUENCE  OP  CLERGY. 


29 


aries  and 
them  to 
tly  years 
1  by  the 
IS  in  'my 
had  rais- 
ollection 
s  trades- 

nversed, 
fcssional 

I  could 
ion ;  nor 

imagine 
::,  a..iong 
he  com- 
f  possess 
ecessary 

pectablc 

ng  busi- 

rhe  rea- 

wealth, 

would 

pursuit 

cted  for 

otc,  re- 

dcmon- 

ic  con- 

ites  has 

ith  the 

instruc- 

tempt- 

States, 

of  any 

arrest- 

nvencd 

an  im- 

!S  were 


I  assembled.     The  clergy  attended  in  their  canonicals, 
I'  and  were  seated  on  the  elevated  front  of  the  Town 
Hall.     The  arrangement  respecting  proper  speakers 
had  not,  among  the  friends  of  negro  instruction,  been 
properly  preconcerted  ;  and  none  were  prepared  to 
I  explain  the  object  of  the  meeting.     An  officer  of  the 
-    army,  adverse  to  the  purposes  of  the  clergy,  rose  up, 
;    and  in  a  short  and  expressive  speech,  addressed  the 
surrounding  multitude.     He  informed  them,  that  since 
those  who  had  intermeddled  in  matters  not  concerning 
J    them,  had  nothing  to  offer,  he  would  move  a  resolution 
;    that  the  meeting  should  instantly  dissolve,  and  that 
i  every  man  should  return  to  his  home.     This  speech 
was  cheered  enthusiastically  by  the  assembled  multi- 
tude, which  immediately  dispersed  amidst  ribaldry  and 
laughter. 
This  anecdote,  whatever  might  be  its  truth,  was  told 
:    me,  as  I  perceived,  to  induce  me  to  change  my  pro- 
fession.   But  it  had  the  contrary  elfect.    I  had  known, 
by  frequent  intercourse,  the  estimable  character  of 
several  clergymen  of  New-York  ;  their  desire  of  dis- 
charging their  sacred  duties  conscientiously  ;  and  the 
salutary  influence  which  their  labours  have  over  a  great 
'portion  of  the '^eople.     A  statement  like  the  above, 
i  jkiudled  only  feelings  of  sympathy  ;  and  I  asserted  im- 
Hmediately,  that  my  attachment  to  ihe  sacred  duties  of 
the  church  was  stronger  than  ever. 
^    The  same  advice  having  been  given  me  from  other 
^quarters,  I  thought  proper  to  make  some  inciuiries  re- 
jSpecting  it.     In  the  course  of  these  I  was  told,  that  it 
klis  no  unusual  thing  for  a  person  to  have  been  a  school- 
|niaster,  doctor,  lawyer,  clergyman,  and  to  have  been 
engaged  also  in  other  professions  ;  and  in  the  business 
^classes  of  society,  to  have  followed  almost  all  the  cir- 
l^clc  of  trades.     This  is  becoming  less  frequent  than 
pformerly.     Yet  I  was  most  credibly  assured  by  some 
l^'workmen,  that  an  American  will  freepiently  undertake 
|-i|iiumbers  of  jobs  in  various  trades,  none  of  which  he 
Hias  ever  learned  himself,  and  then  advertise  for  work- 


I'!  li 
"I  I 


i 


■'ii 


\ 


, 


<(' 


30 


UNITED  STATES. 


men  to  complete  the  jobs.  The  Americans  are  skil- 
ful calculators  ;  and  can  generally  find  out,  what  are 
the  probable  expenses  in  any  undertaking.  The  work- 
men they  employ  are,  for  the  most  part,  poor  Irish  or 
English  emigrants,  whom  they  can  hire  at  low  wages, 
which  must  be  taken  out  in  shop  goods.  The  con- 
tractor, without  having  had  the  labour  of  learning  these 
trades,  thus  contrives  to  reap  a  double  advantage  from 
them.  He  secures  both  the  ])rofits  which  accrue  from 
the  jobs,  and  likewise  a  per  centage  from  the  goods, 
in  which  the  wages  arc  ])aid. 

The  salaries  of  ministers  in  the  States,  depending 
generally  on  pew  rents  or  on  contributions,  cannot  be 
stated  as  permanent.  Yet  there  are  churches  in  New- 
York,  which  are  liberally  endowed.  Ministers  in 
large  towns,  are  said  to  receive  from  two  to  six  hun- 
dred pounds  sterling  a  year;  yet  1  have  heard  this 
amount  contradicted,  by  ])ersons,  who  asserted,  that 
there  are  episcopal  ministers  in  New-York  who  do  not 
receive  two  hundred,  ai'd  none  receive  six  hundred 
pounds.  The  salary  of  the  bishop  is  stated  to  be  about 
seven  hundred  pounds.  The  salaries  of  country  cler- 
gy vary  from  thirty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds. 
If  a  country  minister's  income  be  small,  his  ])arishion- 
ers  in  some  cases  allow  him  to  keep  a  school  in  his 
neighbourhood.  But  their  consent  is  necessary,  since 
they,  and  not  he,  regulate  this.  He  is  entirely  at  the 
mercy,  and  under  the  control  of  his  flock.  He  is,  in 
fact,  their  creature,  however  desirous  he  may  be  of 
concealing  it  from  himself.  But  still,  while  he  con- 
flucts  himself  to  their  satisfaction,  and  is  able  to  per- 
form his  clerical  vtuties,  he  is  in  no  danger  of  want. 
I  have  heard  of  some  j)astorSj  who  have  been  able  to 
save  as  much  out  of  their  salaries  and  schools,  and  the 
earnings  of  their  wives  and  children  by  knitting,  sew- 
ing, spinning,  6cc.  as  enabled  tbcM  to  buy  an  estate, 
and  build  themselves  a  comfortable  house.  When  a 
minister  has  not  been  able  to  anticipate  the  approach 
of  sickness  or  age  by  savings  frcm  his  income,  it  mu'-t 


find  hi 
from  wl 
his  coun| 
pauperi 
than  th 
nisters  s 
informetl 
Yet  no 
port  in 
up  in  th 
arc  eith 
He  must 
or  else, 
dence,  w 

I  was 
was  seld 
cal  and  s 
jealous  f 
imagine  t 
poverty, 
even  the 
cuniary  r 
inir.     A 
in  Engla 
shining  si 
America! 
scholars. 
And  evei 
shine  brii 

From 
it  is  clea 
present  f 
so  Icarne 
ence  and 
than  the 
])osscss,  i 
these  are 
sedentar; 
born  to  ^ 


i.ifi'il 


EMOLrMBNTS  OF  CLERGT. 


31 


IS  are  skil- 
,  what  are 
rhe  work- 
3P  Irish  or 
o\v  wages, 
The  con- 
'ning  these 
ntage  from 
^crue  from 
the  goods, 

depending 

cannot  be  I 

2S  in  New-  l 

misters  in  [ 

;o  six  hun- 

lieard  this 

ertcd,  that 

tvho  do  not 

X  hundred 

o  be  about 

intry  cler- 

:y  pounds. 

arishion- 

ol  in  his 

ary,  since 

ly  at  the 

He  is,  in 

may  be  of 

lie  con- 

e  to  per- 

of  want. 

n  able  to 

s,  and  the 

ting,  sew- 

an  estate, 

When  a 

approach 

e,  it  mu'-t 


^t 


find  him  wretched ;  for  there  is  no  permanent  fnnd 
from  which  relief  can  be  obtained,  and  the  motto  of 
his  country  is,  "No  work  no  pay."  The  annals  of 
pauperism  scarcely  contain  more  distressing  cases, 
than  those  which  poor  superannuated  American  mi- 
nisters sometimes  exhibit,  if  I  have  been  veraciously 
informed.  I  hope,  however,  such  instances  arc  rare. 
Yet  no  American  clergyman  can  look  forward  to  sup- 
port in  old  age,  independent  of  what  he  may  liave  laid 
up  in  the  season  of  activity.  Parishioners  in  general, 
arc  either  unable  or  unwilling  to  bear  any  burden. 
He  must  prepare  in  youth  and  manhood  for  old  age, 
or  else,  sulfer  the  consccpiences  of  his  own  improvi- 
dence, with  none  to  give  him  sympathy. 

I  was  informed  that  in  large  towns,  a  clergyman 
was  seldom  sulfered  to  divide  his  time  between  cleri- 
cal and  scholastic  duties.  The  people  also,  who  are 
jealous  of  professional  and  priestly  wealth,  and  who 
imagine  that  the  clerical  character  should  be  that  of 
poverty,  abstinence,  and  self-denial,  do  not  wish  that 
even  the  talents  of  a  minister  should  obtain  otiier  pe- 
cuniary recompense,  than  what  arises  from  his  preach- 
ing. A  clergyman  of  acknowledged  abilities  would, 
in  England,  add  lustre  to  his  character,  by  sending 
shining  scholars  to  our  universities  or  public  schools. 
Americans  view  things  in  a  different  light,  Shining 
scholars,  with  tl-cjn,  are  neither  known  nor  wanted. 
And  every  one  there  is  fully  persuaded,  that  dollars 
shine  brightest  in  his  own  purse. 

From  the  manner  in  which  ministers  are  rewarded, 
it  is  clear  to  me,  that  America  can  never,  under  her 
j)resent  form  of  government,  possess  a  body  of  divines 
so  learned  and  respectable  as  those  in  England.  Sci- 
ence and  sound  learning  require  more  fostering  aid 
than  they  yet  receive  in  that  country.  Americans 
l)0ssess,  in  an  eminent  degree,  talent  and  energy  ;  but 
these  are  exerted,  almost  exclusively,  in  other  than 
sedentary  studies.  Few  in  that  part  of  the  world  are 
born  to  wealth.     The  great  majority  are  compelled 


I  t 


11 


hi 


•■i 


I 

'I 


\li 


li'J 


1^ 


(h\ 


32 


Vrntth  STAT£fc 


to  fight  their  way  in  the  best  manner  they  are  able, 
and  professional  men  among  others.  As  the  clergy 
depend  almost  entirely,  except  in  a  few  instances,  on 
pew  rents,  voluntary  contributions  and  donations,  it  is 
evident  that  no  minister  can  confidently  look  forward 
to  any  permanent  provision.  And  since  the  remune- 
ration of  even  the  more  respectable  congregations  to 
their  pastors  is  barely  adequate  to  maintain  respecta- 
bility, none  of  them  will  be  eager  to  increase  his  qua- 
lifications beyond  the  point  at  which  they  can  be  esti- 
mated and  rewarded.  The  demand  for  eminence  in 
learning  must  exist,  before  that  eminence  v/ill  be  ge- 
nerally sought.  Literary  distinction  is  not  attainable, 
otherwise  than  by  great  sacrifices  of  time,  labour,  and 
expense.  These,  American  clergymen  have  not  to 
bestow.  Admitted  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  to  cle- 
rical orders ;  removed  from  connexion  with  seats  of 
learning,  before  the  maturity  of  studies  or  of  judgment 
have  been  reached  ;  frequently  placed  in  extensive 
parishes,  with  numerous  important  duties  to  discharge; 
and  living  among  people,  who  are  incompetent  to  es- 
timate mental  attainments,  or  to  reward  them  if  they 
were  ;  it  is  not  in  their  power,  perhaps  not  in  their 
aspirations,  to  reach  proficiency  in  the  higher  walks 
of  literature. 

There  is  a  clerical  college  established  in  New-York, 
for  the  reception  of  divinity-students  intended  for 
episcopal  ordination.  After  having  passed  through 
the  university,  they  there  prepare  themselves  pecu- 
liarly for  sacred  functions.  This  appears  a  proper 
and  judicious  plan.  It  will  generally  impart  a  seri- 
ous tone  to  the  candidates  for  orders,  and  enable  them 
to  accommodate  their  energies  to  their  future  desti- 
nations. This  college  may  bear  some  features  of  re- 
semblaace  to  the  clerical  institution  at  ^t.  Bees.  Yet 
it  cannot  stand  so  high  in  point  of  learning ;  nor  its 
students  so  matured  in  point  of  experience.  In  Eng- 
land, literature  is  incalculably  higher  than  in  the  States. 
And  at  St.  Bees,  the  divinity  students  are  generally 


twenty-tl 
didates 
twenty-oi 
One  da 
alluded  tc 
Chase,  lal 
gvmen  of 
;  United  St 
and  a  libci 
raent,"  sa 
f  knew  thai 
much  dist 
this  count 
:  appoint  a 
'  thing  thuy 
jhim.     His 
I  port  him." 
I  own  viewi 
I  abandonin 
I  tic  intercs 
I  tions  cat  u 
I  plied,  "  In 
I  his  own  fig 
\  molestatio] 
*  every  ])ers( 
■  pectations 
J  nor  solitar 
returning  i 
A  clerg 
conversati' 
object,  an( 
'■  cd  to  seek 
you  are  no 
;  enter  on  a 
•;  a  permanc 
]  in  its  liter 
:  Romans.' ' 
I  was  n 
3  tion  in  Oh 


I  i 


PB0SPECT9  or  ENGLISH  CLERGYMEN. 


33 


are  able, 
16  clergy 
inces,  on 
:ionS)  it  is 
z  forward 

remune- 
rations to 
respecta- 
5  his  qua- 
rt be  esti- 
nence  in 
ill  be  ge- 
:tainable, 
)our,  and 
e  not  to 
e  to  cle- 
i  seats  of 
udgment 
jxtensive 
scharge ; 
nt  to  es- 
if  they 

in  their 
er  walks 

vv-York, 

ided  for 

through 

s  pecu- 

proper 

a  seri- 
le  them 
desti- 

of  re- 
es.  Yet 

nor  its 
n  Eng- 

States. 
nerally 


M 


1 


I 


I 


tw^enty-thrce  years  of  age  ;  whereas,  in  America,  can- 
didates are  admitted  to  clerical  oliices,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-one. 

One  day,  when  in  conversation  with  Dr.  Milnor,  he 
alluded  to  an  address,  published  in  En£i;land  by  Dr. 
Chase,  late  Bishop  of  Ohio,  encouraging  English  cler- 
gymen of  the  Estabiiibhed  Church,  to  emigrate  to  the 
United  States,  and  promising  them  a  hearty  welcome 
and  a  liberal  s  ipport.  "  The  premise  and  encourage- 
inent,"  said  he,  "  was  contrary  to  my  advice  ;  for  I 
knew  that  it  could  not  be  fulfdlcd,  and  might  occasion 
much  distress  and  disappointment.  The  bishops  of 
this  country,"  he  added,  "  have  no  power  whatever  to 
appoint  a  minister  over  any  congregation.  Tiie  only 
thing  they  can  do  for  a  c'ergyman  is  to  recommend 
him.  Dis  nomination  rests  with  the  people  who  sup- 
port him."  On  explaining  to  him  the  nature  of  my 
own  views,  as  to  teaching,  and  the  reasons  for  my 
abandoning  a  country,  where  patronage  and  aristocra- 
tic interest  were  cvciy  thing,  and  where  heavy  exa'j- 
tlons  eat  up  the  earnings  of  industry  ;  he  smiling  re- 
plied, "  In  our  country,  every  man  can  repose  under 
his  own  fig-troc  and  his  own  vine,  and  can  eat  without 
molestation  the  fruit  of  his  own  labours.  But  it  is  not 
every  person,  who  visits  this  country,  that  finds  his  ex- 
pectations realised  in  it.  Instances  are  neither  rare 
nor  solitary,  of  persons  coming  hot  from  Europe,  and 
returning  soberer  than  they  came." 

A  clergyman  from  Ireljml,  with  whom  I  had  a  short 
conversation  soon  after  my  arrival,  on  being  told  ray 
object,  and  learning  that  I  was  not  immediately  press- 
ed to  seek  employment,  said,  "  It  is  well  for  you  that 
you  are  not  so.  Look  around  deliberately,  before  you 
enter  on  any  thing ;  and  if  afterwards  you  decide  upon 
a  permanent  residence,  you  must  adopt  this  proverb 
in  its  literal  sense.  *  When  at  Rome,  act  as  do  the 
Romans,' "' 

I  was  repeatedly  asked  if  I  would  accept  a  situa- 
tion in  Ohio,  and  as  repeatedly  declined  such  a  place 


11* 


I  •: 


H   '  I 


34 


UNITED  STATES. 


of  exile.  My  habits  had  fitted  me  for  other  scenes, 
and  required  more  domestic  comforts  than  a  wilder- 
ness can  furnish.  Besides,  I  was  early  made  ac-  j 
quainted  with  the  sort  of  people  I  was  likely  to  find  '■ 
for  associates  in  places  remote  from  the  frontier.  As 
I  perceived  that  persons  of  the  same  standing,  even 
in  New-York,  are  not  the  most  amiable  or  liberable, 
I  feared  their  manners  would  not  be  improved,  by 
contiguity  to  iorests,  bears,  and  Indians. 

During  the  year  preceding  our  emigration,  the  pas- 
tor of  St.  Thomas'  in  New-York,  was  obliged  to  re- 
sign, and  retired  with  his  family  into  the  Ohio  Terri- 
tory. His  great  crime  was,  his  being  an  Englishman. 
He  had,  moreover,  not  been  so  submissive  to  the  free- 
born  Americans  as  to  endure  passively,  various  things 
in  their  conduct,  which  to  him  appeared  unpleasant. 
As  the  purse  strings  of  the  clergy  are  generally  in  the 
hands  of  their  flock,  they  can  always  clothe  and  feed 
them  and  their  families  as  they  please.  For  although, 
by  a  canon  of  the  Episcopal  church,  no  minister  of 
that  denomination  is  liable  to  be  expelled  by  his  hear- 
ers, yet,  presents,  and  subscriptions  can  be  withdrawn 
when  they  please.  The  minister  of  St.  Thomas'  had 
given  some  ollence  to  a  few  individuals,  native  Amer- 
icans. The  thing  was  canvassed  among^  their  coun- 
trymen, and  the  result  was,  that  the  greater  part  of 
his  congregation  withdrew  their  subscriptions  and  at- 
tendance. The  minister,  finding  himself  forsaken, 
and  without  resources,  was  obliged  to  relinquish  the 
place  of  his  sojourn,  and  to  bury  his  griefs  and  neces- 
sities in  the  solitudes  of  Ohio. 

Such  was  the  statement  of  an  English  lady  in  New- 
York.  Similar  statements  have  been  made  to  me  by 
various  persons,  whose  narrations  1  could  not  disbe- 
lieve, respecting  several  English  clergymen,  who,  af- 
ter years  of  laborious  duties,  have  been  turned  adrift 
by  those  who  had  been  benefitting  f r  »  u  their  instruc- 
tions. My  fair  informant  expressed  a  wish  that  1 
might  be  so  fortunate  as  to  obtain  that  church.  <*But,'' 


added  8he| 
turn  agaii 
only  as  ar| 
tressed, 
your  couni 
ed  your 
gpect,  ho\ 
your  merii 
have  obtai| 
eral  years 
;  Americans 
whom  I  h 
scription. 
the  proniis 
try.      Th( 
fore  retun 
and  do  not 
i  you  to  ac( 
where.     B 
;  I  would  ha 
thing,  and 
business." 
could  not  \ 
they  are  w 
friends  to  * 
During 
;  granted  m( 
'  pleasure  o 
spectable  i 
States.     1 
that  my  ph 
cans,  from 
and  attituc 
English  pi 
ican,   thai 
more  nec( 
of  society 
tion,  to  re 
us.     The 


PSOSPECTS   07  ENGLISH   CLEBGYXEN. 


35 


r  scenes, 
a  wilder- 
nade  ac- 
ly  to  find 
tier.  As 
ng,  even 
liberable, 
oved,  by 

,  the  pas- 

ed  to  re- 

io  Terri- 

^lishman. 

the  free- 

lus  things 

pleasant. 

illy  in  the 

and  feed 

although, 

inister  of 

his  hear- 

hdrawn 

mas'  had 

Amer- 

\r  coun- 

part  of 

and  at- 

brsaken, 

uish  the 

id  neces- 

in  New- 
ine  by 
3t  disbe- 
vho,  af- 
d  adrift 
instruc- 
that  I 
"But," 


.added  she,  "  if  you  have  still  a  friend  in  England,  re- 
turn again.  America  is  a  place  of  refuge,  but  to  such 
only  as  are  of  doubtful  character,  or  completely  dis- 
tressed. You  will  always  be  considered  as  having  fled 
your  country  on  account  of  something  which  had  blast- 
ed your  comfort  at  home  ;  and  any  success  or  re- 
spect, however  small,  will  be  considered  greater  than 
your  merits  and  character  deserve,  or  than  you  could 
have  obtained  in  England.  I  myself  came  thence  sev- 
eral years  ago,  allured  by  the  flattering  promises  of 
;  Americans,  whom  I  then  considered  as  frionds,  but 
whom  I  have  since  found  to  be  heartless  beyond  de- 
scription. There  is  no  dependence  to  be  placed  upon 
the  promises  or  friendship  of  any  person  in  this  coun- 
try. There  is  not,  indeed,  sir,"  she  added,  "there- 
fore return  to  England,  if  you  have  one  friend  there, 
and  do  not  suffer  any  thing  they  may  tell  you  to  induce 
you  to  accept  a  situation  here,  if  you  can  live  else- 
where. But  you  know  best  your  own  circumstances. 
,  I  would  have  returned  to  England  had  I  not  lost  every 
'  thing,  and  my  sons  not  being  apprenticed,  or  placed  in 
business."  Such  were  the  sentiments  of  one  who 
could  not  possibly  have  a  motive  to  mislead  me  ;  and 
they  are  worthy  the  attention  of  clergymen,  who  are 
friends  to  democracy. 

During  my  sojourn  in  Nev/-York,  Dr.  Milnor  once 
granted  me  the  use  of  his  pulpit,  and  I  enjoyed  the 
pleasure  of  delivering  a  discourse  to  his  highly  re- 
spectable flock — ^the  only  sermon  I  preached  in  the 
States.  The  Doctor  praised  my  discourse,  but  stated 
that  my  plain  manner  of  delivery  would  not  suit  Ameri- 
cans, from  their  fondness  of  high  declamation,  action, 
and  attitude,  so  different  from  the  chaste  style  of  the 
English  preaching.  Effect  is  more  aimed  at  in  Amer- 
ican, than  in  English  churches  ;  and  is,  I  believe, 
more  necessary  in  the  dawn  than  in  an  advanced  state 
of  society.  But  perhaps  other  causes  are  in  opera- 
tion, to  require  rhetorical  action  there  more  than  with 
us.    The  people  are  remarkably  active  and  restless  ; 


11 


'  • ', 


I 


i    ) 


(' 


:  \U 


"  I ! 


V. 


i 


,i 


86 


UNITED  STATES* 


and  a  dependent  minister  must  use  every  exertion  to 
adapt  his  mode  of  delivery  to  the  taste  and  tempera-; 
ment  of  his  hearers.      Yet,  I  must  say  I  have  seen  it[ 
carried  too  far.  * 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  quit  the  subject,  without 
giving  almost  unqualified  praise  to  the  worthy  and  es- 
timable charecter  of  the  episcopal  clergy  of  New- 
York  generally.  Their  church  discipline  and  govern- 
ment  is  admirable  ;  and  is  making  raj)id  advances,  not 
only  in  that  Slate,  but  throughout  all  America.  The 
episcopal  church  is  gaining  strength  there,  ful'y  equal 
to  the  spread  of  knowledge,  and  the  increase  of  pop. 
ulation  ;  and  will  ultimately  be  matured,  in  my  opin- 
ion into  a  national  church.  Its  members  arc  adopt- 
ing every  available  means  for  rendering  the  ministers 
of  their  order  as  competent  as  possible  to  sustain  the 
sacred  character  with  becoming  dignity  :  and  to  merit, 
and  consequently  secure,  the  respect  and  snpport  of 
every  well  informed  and  rationally  pious  Ciiristian. 
If  they  have  not  yet  attained  to  that  elevation  of 
character,  that  dignity,  and  learning,  enjoyed  by  min- 
isters of  the  established  church  of  England,  we  m.ust 
remember,  that  they  have  neither  the  means  nor  the 
incentives  to  attain  it ;  that  they  have  not  British  audi- 
ences to  preach  to  ;  that  their  church,  and  the  society 
around  them,  are  in  a  state  of  infancy  ;  and  that  their 
means  of  instruction,  and  the  manner  of  imparting 
it,  correspond  with  their  institutions,  and  the  habits  of 
the  people.  The  episcopal  clergy  are  greatly  in  ad- 
vance of  those  of  all  other  denominations,  and  march 
in  the  van  of  learning,  improvement  and  public  virtue. 

One  Sunday  morning  I  entered  the  methodist  chap- 
el, without  being  previously  aware  that  it  was  one. 
What  a  difference  in  the  language  and  manner  of  the 
preacher,  from  what  I  had  heard  and  seen  elsewhere  ! 
It  reminded  me  forcibly  of  an  observation  made  by 
the  Catholic  Bishop  when  I  called  on  him.  «  Al- 
though," said  he,  "  all  sects  and  denominations  are 
said  to  be  placed  on  equal  footing  here,  yet  I  respect 


the  episc 
isters  are 
the  most 
pale." 
!  when  retv 
methodist 
copies  of 
wanderin 
,that  he  w 
coarsely 
I  house,  an 
•  learned,  al 
"  How  su 
the  best  ir 
own  child 
i  and  illibei 
]     The  col 
]best  critei 
I  CCS  I  had 
\  York,  and 
i  respectabl; 
]  copal  cona 
\  any  congrt 
J  were  aske 
\  greater  nu 
^  should  fee 
Those  ( 
conceive  h 
properly  ii 
in  places  i 
another  he 
ken,  but  t 
t  ted  and  ac 
J  and  a  dive 
I  finds  the 
\  same  vers 
I  same  dec€ 
■  discourses 
:  immateria 


METHODIST   BIGOTRY. 


37 


!   , 


jxertion  to 
1  tempera-; 
ive  seen  it  j 

i 

;t,  without 
by  and  es- 
'  of  New- 
id  govern- 
'aiices,  not 
ica.  The 
t\illy  equal 
se  of  pop. 

I  my  opin- 
are  adopt- 
;  ministers 
lustain  the 

II  to  merit, 
nipport  ot 
CJiristian. 
3vation  of 
d  by  min- 
,  we  must 
IS  nor  the 
itisb  audi- 
le  society 

hat  their 

mparting 
labits  of , 
y  in  ad-  [ 
d  march  I 

ic  virtue. 

ist  chap- 
|vas  one. 
r  of  the 

ewhere ! 

made  by 
«AI. 
ions  are 
respect 


the  episcopal  church  more  than  any  other.     Its  min- 
isters are  men  of  greater  learning  than  the  rest,  and 
the  most  respectable  citizens  are  included  within  its 
pale."     The  same  thing  occurred  to  my  recollection, 
when  returning  through  the  States  from  Canada.     A 
methodist  printer,  who  had  struck  otf  some  hundred 
copies  of  a  portion  of  Watts'  hymns,  and  who  was 
wandering  up  and  down  to  vend  them  ;  on  learning 
ithat  he  was  in  company  with  an  episcopal  minister, 
coarsely  asserted    that   our   church  was  the    devil's 
i  house,  and  that  the  wise  and  prudent,  the  mighty,  the 
j learned,  and  the  wealthy,  every  where  belong  to  it. 
;"How  surprising,"  continued  ho,   "it  is,  to  lind  that 
the  best  informed  and  the  wealthiest  are  the  devil's 
;own  children,  and  belong  to  his  house  !"     Ignorance 
,  and  illiberality  are  generally  found  to  go  hand  in  hand. 

♦  The  congregations  of  ministers  are  generally  the 
jhest  criterion  of  their  pastor's  worth.  All  the  chur- 
i  ces  I  had  an  opportunity  of  entering,  while  in  New- 
]  York,  and  they  were  not  a  (ew,  were  numerously  and 
i  respectably  attended.  The  devout  behaviour  of  epis- 
copal congregations  could  not  be  exceeded  by  that  of 

)  any  congregation  of  any  church  in  London.      If  I 

■  were  asked  whether,  in  the  churches  !  attended,  a 
.:  greater  number  of  males  or  females  were  present,  1 

■  should  feel  great  hesitation  in  deciding. 

Those  only  who  have  travelled  to  a  distance,  can 
conceive  how  gratifying  it  is  to  an  English  clergyman, 
properly  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  his  calling,  to  find, 
in  places  so  far  from  his  former  home,  and  even  in 
another  hemisphere,  not  only  the  same  language  spo- 

•  ken,  but  the  very  customs  of  his  native  country  imita- 
i  ted  and  adopted,  as  far  as  a  change  of  circumstances 
;;  and  a  divers'ty  of  governments  will  allow.  Here  he 
I  finds  the  same  prayers,  the  s^ame  ceremonies,  the 
J  same  version  of  psalms  and  tunes  in  psalmody,  the 
;  same  decent  solemnities  of  worship,  the  same  sort  of 

■  discourses,  as  in  our  churches,  with  but  a  slight  and 
immaterial  alteration,  and  thai  alteration  generally  for 


'*! 


I.i: 


D 


38 


UNITED    STATES. 


the  better.  Our  Saviour's  words  force  themselves 
strongly  on  our  recollection,  on  going  into  an  Amer- 
icon  church,  after  arrival  from  England  :  "  Other 
sheep  I  have  which  are  not  of  this  fold.  Them  also 
must  I  bring,  and  they  will  hear  my  voice  ;  and  there 
shall  be  one  fold  and  one  shepherd." 

Having  found  that  I  could  not  be  the  appointed 
minister  of  any  episcopal  church  in  America,  before 
the  expiration  of  twelve  months,  I  deemed  it  most  ad. 
viseable  to  make  inquiries  respecting  the  other  branch 
of  my  professional  life — school-teaching.  I  had  long 
been  engaged  laboriously  in  education ;  and  from 
protracted  and  arduous  pursuits  of  learning,  had  be. 
lieved  myself  well  qualified  for  a  teacher.  My  introduc- 
tions also,  several  of  which  were  to  professors  of  col- 
leges, would  confirm  the  respectabili.y  of  my  charac-l 
ter.  The  result  of  my  inquiries  in  this  particular  l| 
shall  now  proceed  to  detail. 


CHAPlEll  III. 

Reasons  for  abandoning  the  idea  of  teaching  the  Eastern  langiia 
ges  in  the  United  States — Day-schools — Insubordination  c 
Pupils — Anecdote  of  the  blind  teacher — Of  au  Irish  classical 
teacher — Sad  tale  of  a  villajje  schoolmaster — Aninrican  iiibens;- 
bility — Farther  opinions  concerning  Araerican  schools. 

When  I  had  held  two  or  three  conversations  with 
a  gentleman,  to  whom  I  had  a  letter  of  intioductioii 
from  London,  with  reference  to  my  plan  of  teaching 
particularly  the  languages  of  the  East ;  he  told  mej 
that,  in  his  opinion,  my  best  measure  would  be  to  go' 
back  to  En2:land.     "  The  Americans  do  not  yet  want' 
any  thing  with  the  East  Indies.     They  are  not  colo- 
nizing other  countries,  but  peopling  their  own;  and 
have  more  need  of  being  taught  how  to  handle  the 


axe  or  the 

Had  you  b 

might  have 

can  give  y^ 

lamily  told 

attempt  wo 

])eoj)]e,  in 

doating  upc 

ority  over  i 

aits,  and  at 

fpise,  the 

from  (ire a 

teach  them 

le  equally  \ 

for  inibrmai 

to  purposes 

those,  with 

me  in  conta 

tion  of  ope] 

lang'uages. 

could  be  on 

He  imagine 

inig-ht  be  op 

ceed.     A   d 

iiiighf  answ( 

As  the  SI 

gentlemen  01 

attention  of 

tigate  more 

general,  and 

found,  that  5 

U  not  regari 

tion,  in  sucl 

(rue,  that  hi| 
rs,  and  pai 
|Bons  are  in 
|uch  and  su( 
;  The  houri 
pve  and  a  ha 


■  ,1   * 


DAY   SCHOOLS. 


39 


lemselves 
m  Amer. 
"Other 
rhem  also 
and  there 

appointed 
ca,  before 
t  most  ad. 
ler  branch 
[  had  loiu' 
and  from 
J,  had  be. 
introduc. 
ors  of  col. 
IV  charac 
articular 


axe  or  the  spade,  than  how  to  read  the  Hindoostanee. 
Had  you  been  a  strong  active  hardy  ploughman,  you 
might  have  been  worth  encouragement,  but  as  it  is,  I 


?? 


;ern  langun- 
ination  o: 
1  classical 
an  iusens- 


tons  with  I 
oduction| 
teaching.! 
told  me  I 
be  to  20 1 
yet  want? 
lot  colo-s 
wn;  and; 
ndle  the 


can  give  you  none/'  What  this  gentleman  and  his 
lamily  told  me,  I  found  to  be  perfectly  correct.  The 
attempt  would  be  useless  and  absurd  to  persuade  a 
])eople,  in  love  with  money,  and  with  themselves ; 
doating  upon  their  own  perfections,  and  their  superi- 
ority over  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  in  learning, 
aits,  and  arms  ;  and  despising,  or  pretending  to  de- 
spise, the  English  most  heartily,  that  an  individual 
from  Great  Britain  had  arrived  in  their  country  to 
teach  them  languages  they  do  not  know.  It  would 
be  equally  useless,  to  attempt  inducing  them  to  pay 
jibr  information,  which  they  could  not  at  once  convert 
to  purposes  of  gain  A  little  further  inquiry  among 
those,  with  whom  my  letters  and  introductions  brought 
me  in  contact,  soon  induced  me  to  abandon  the  inten- 
tion of  opening  a  school  for  instruction  in  Eastern 
languages.  Dr.  Milnor  himself  thought  the  attempt 
could  be  only  futile  and  followed  by  disappointment. 
fHe  imagined,  however,  that  another  kind  of  school 
bight  be  opened,  which  would  be  more  likely  to  suc- 
ceed. A  day-school,  with  liberal  terms,  he  said, 
ini^-hf  answer  my  expectations. 

As  the  same  thing  had  been  suggested  by  other 
Jfentlemenof  some  consideration, it  became  worthy  the 
Ettention  of  one,  circumstanced  like  myself,  to  inves- 
tigate more  closely  the  character  of  day-schools  in 
general,  and  the  mode  of  conducting  them.     I  soon 
Tound,  that  a  common  schoolmaster,  in  that  country, 
[s  not  regarded  with  much  respect ;  and  that  educa- 
tion, in  such  schools,  is  on  a  contracted  scale.     It  is 
true,  that  high  claims  to  skill  are  advanced  by  teach- 
!rs,  and  parents  are  flattered  with  reports  that  their 
sons  are  in  such  and  such  classes,  and  have  studied 
iuch  and  such  books. 

,    The  hours  of  attendance  in  day-schools  are  about 
live  and  a  half  each  day,  for  four  days,  and  four  for  the 


1'  1  !li 


40 


UMTED    STATES. 


remaining  two  days  of  the  week.  In  some  seminaries 
there  are  sixty  or  eighty  pupils,  taught  by  one,  or  at 
the  most,  by  two  masters.  Such  schools,  generally 
close  at  three  in  the  afternoon.  Here  insubordina- 
tion prevails  to  a  degree  subversive  of  all  improve- 
ment. The  pupils  are  entirely  independent  of  their 
teacher.  No  correction,  no  coercion,  no  manner  oi 
restraint  is  permitted  to  be  used.  It  must  be  seen, 
from  this  picture,  that  general  education  is  at  a  low- 
ebb,  even  in  New-York.  Indeed,  all  who  know  any 
thing  of  teaching,  will  see  at  once  the  impossibility  of 
conveying  extensive  knowledge,  in  so  few  hours  per 
day,  and  upon  such  a  system.  Parents  also  have  as 
little  control  over  their  offspring  at  home,  as  the  mas- 
ter  has  at  school:  and  the  leisure  hours  of  idle  bov« 
are,  in  all  countries  perhaps  alike  unproductive  oi 
improvement. 

Two  or  three  anecdotes  were  related,  to  convey  to 
me  an  idea  of  American  schools.  The  best  teacher 
whom  the  United  States  could  ever  boast  of  was  a 
blind  athletic  old  man,  who  was  so  well  acquainted 
with  the  books  he  taught,  as  to  detect  immediately  the 
slightest  incorrectness  of  his  scholars.  He  was  also 
a  great  disciplinarian  ;  and,  though  blind,  could  from 
constant  practice,  inflict  the  most  painful  and  effective^ 
chastisements.  From  the  energetic  mental  and  bodily; 
powers  of  this  teacher,  his  puj)ils  became  distinguish 
ed  in  the  colleges  and  universities  of  America.  They 
were  generally,  at  their  admission  into  public  semina 
ries,  so  far  in  advance  of  other  students,  that,  from 
the  absence  of  inducements  to  steady  application, 
they  there,  for  the  first  time,  contracted  habits  of  idle- 
ness. They  also  became  less  obedient  and  subordinate 
to  collegiate  regulations  than  the  other  scholars,  when 
the  hand  of  correction,  of  which  they  formerly  had 
tasted,  was  no  longer  extended  over  them.  Thus,  a 
two-fold  evil  was  produced  by  the  discipline  and  skill 
of  this  blind  teacher.  Since  that  time,  corporal  pun 
ishment  has  almost  disappeared  from  American  day. 


schools; 
to  such 
with  rep 
taliatlon 

My  in 
were  na 
teacher 
inculcate 
his  pupi 

'-He 

their  beh 

should 

quaint  tl 

continuec 

which  oc 

A  school 

school,  o' 

was  circij 

an  investi 

edbyapu 

qence  coi 

his  rod  oi 

latter,  if  ei 

day  whils 

lessons  w 

was,  hims 

visage  free 

ijrimaces, 

observed  £ 

^elf  with  I; 

tortions  o 

act  of  im 

fellow  for 

him  in  cas 

ter,  on  ob 

effect,   foi 

on  him  ir 

this  condi 


SCHOOL    INSUBORDINATION. 


41 


;eminaries 
one,  or  at 
generally 
iubordina- 
I  improve- 
it  of  their 
manner  oi 
5t  be  seen, 
is  at  a  low 
know  any 
(ssibility  of 
hours  per 
Iso  have  as 
IS  the  mas- 
f  idle  bov; 
>ductive  of 

I  convey  to 

est  teacher 

5t  of  was  a 

acquainted 

idiately  the 

e  was  also 

could  froni^ 

id  effective 

and  bodily 

istinffuish- 

lica.  ^Tliey 

|lic  semina- 

that,  froni 

plication 

its  of  idle- 

ibordinate 

lars,  wher. 

inerly  ha(i 

Thus,  a 

le  and  skil 

poral  pun 

rican  day- 


i  ^ 

i 


schools ;  and  a  teacher,  who  should  now  have  recourse 
to  such  means  of  enforcing  instruction,  would  meet 
with  reprehension  from  the  parents,  and  perhaps  re- 
taliation from  his  scholars. 

My  inquiries,  when  this  statement  was  made  to  me 
were  naturally  directed  to  the  real  means  of  which  a 
teacher  might  be  allowed  to  avjiil  himself,  in  order  to 
inculcate  his  instructions  on  the  more  inattentive  of 
his  pupils. 

''  He  must,"  replied  a  gentleman,  "  put  up  with 
their  behaviour,  but  by  no  means  punish  them  ;  and 
should  his  patience  he  exhausted,  he  must  then  ac- 
quaint the  parents  with  their  conduct.  Allow  me," 
continued  he,  "to  mention  to  you  a  circumstance 
v/hich  occurred  under  my  immediate  observation  : — 
A  schoolmaster  was  appointed  to  a  parish  or  district 
school,  over  which  I  had  some  influence.  A  rumour 
was  circulated  that  he  made  use  of  chastisement,  and 
an  investigation  took  place.  The  report  was  confirm- 
ed by  a  public  examination;  and  a  notice  was  in  conse- 
qence  conveyed  to  him,  that  he  must  relinquish  either 
his  rod  or  his  school.  His  answer  imported  that  the 
latter,  if  either,  would  be  abandoned.  I  entered  one 
day  whilst  he  was  employed  in  attending  to  some 
lessons  with  which  his  scholars  were  engaged.  He 
was,  himself,  rather  an  odd  looking  person,  and  his 
visage  frequently  assumed  involuntary  contortions  and 
grimaces,  when  his  mind  was  ruffled  or  agitated,  i 
observed  a  little  boy  who  was  very  deaf,  amusing  him- 
self with  laughing  atthc  grotesque  figure  and  odd  con- 
;  tortions  of  his  master.  The  teacher  observed  this 
act  of  impropriety,  and  after  reprimanding  the  little 
;  fellow  for  neglect  of  his  books,  threatened  to  punish 
him  in  case  of  a  repetition  of  the  offence.  The  mas- 
ter, on  observing  that  what  he  had  said  produced  no 
effect,  forgetting  the  deafness  of  his  pupil,  inflicted 
on  him  immediate  punishment.  I  felt  indignant  at 
this  conduct,  and,  after  sharply  rebuking  him  before 


■    .   i 


Ih 


I 


i<ilf- 


ifl 


! 


i 


42 


UNITED   STATES. 


his  boys,  convened  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  of  whom 
I  was  one,  and  had  him  summarily  dismissed." 

I  inquired  what  course  a  schoolmaster  must  pursue 
if  any  of  his  scholars  should  turn  out  obstinate  and 
refractory,  or  if  he  have  one  more  intractable  than  the 
rest.  Is  the  master  still  obliged  to  tolerate  patiently 
the  most  insubordinate  conduct  1 

"  Me  should  expel  the  oifender,"  was  the  reply. 
*'  In  a  college  of  ours,  there  was  a  student  notoriously 
offensive  and  ungovernable.  On  one  occasion,  his 
instructor  having  observed  something  improper  in  his 
conduct,  deemed  him  worthy  of  reprehension,  and 
summoned  him  to  his  desk.  The  young  man,  sud- 
denly extcndina:  his  hand  to  the  watch-chain  of  hi< 
teacher,  jerked  his  gold  time-piece  out  of  the  pocket, 
and  dashed  it  instantly  on  the  desk.  A  meeting  o! 
the  trustees  and  members  was  convened,  and  the 
young  man  was  dismissp.cl.''^ 

In  a  country  like  America,  where  there  is  nothing 
in  the  patronage  of  colleges,  and  where  expulsion  from 
a  public  institution  entails  no  disgrace,  nor  disquali- 
fies for  any  kind  of  business  or  pursuit,  it  appeared  to 
me  improbable  that  much  attention  to  instruction 
could  be  secured.  I  therefore  asked  if  such  asystoiii 
of  education  could  lead  to  eminent  acquirements? 

"  In  our  country,"  he  replied,  "  education  is  gene- 
rally completed  at  the  age  of  sixteen  or  seventeen, 
even  in  colleges  and  universities  "Young  men  enter 
at  that  age  and  sometimes  earlier,  into  business  or  pro- 
fessions. The  clerical  profession  must  be  excepted, 
Learning,  to  a  great  extent,  is  not  required  for  store- 
keepers and  merchants'  clerks.  Yet  the  students  in 
our  colleges  are  generally  acquainted  with  the  rudi- 
ments  of  Greek  and  Latin :  also  with  common  arith- 
metic, and  the  usual  course  of  mathematics.  This 
is  sufficienttoenable  them  to  comprehend  any  allusions 
which  occur  in  reading  or  conversation.  And  a  foun- 
dation being  once  laid,  it  is  in  their  power,  if  choice 
induce,  or  opportunity  allow  them,  to  prosecute  any 
branch  as  far  as  they  please." 


"But 

schools, 
intlnence 
ter  to  me 
to  undert 
,        "Thei' 
I    snectable 
i    sions,  are 
]    parish  or 
i  ^selves,  an 
'    And  even 
bcsin  thci 
TlKJse,   bi 
conduct  a 
I  ito  an<ithei 
'some  coll( 
;       <•  It  api 
;    in  the  J<tj 
j    tions ;  and 
!    the  contii 
i    son.     The 
S    racter  anc 
I    in  your  dis 
He  asse 
and   then 
"  There  ai 
willing  to 
suhordinat 
annexed  t( 
vince  vou, 
teachers. 
Ireland,  w 
rousofobt 
,  or  college 
States :  ai 
reus  of  pr 
to  the  trui 
after  anotl 
ure  did  no 


rt 


ANECDOTE    OF    A    TEACHKR. 


43 


3,  of  whon 

ed." 

ust  pursue 

stinate  and  > 

le  than  the 

e  patientlv ; 

the  reply.  '• 
lotoviously : 
casion,  hi; ; 
oper  in  his  I 
nsion,  and ; 

man,  sud- 
hain  of  hi« 
he  pocket.  [ 
meetine  o! ' 
1,   and  the  ■ 

is  nothing 
alsion  from  | 
>r  disquali- 
ppeared  to 
instruction  | 
h  asy.stcn 

ents  ? 

•n  is  gene- 
Iscventeen. 
Imen  enter 

ss  or  pro- 

excepted. 

for  store- 
Itudents  in 

the  rudi- 

lion  arith- 

ics.     This 
allusions 

id  a  foun. 
if  choice 

I  cute  any 


(( 


But  yet,"  said  I,  resuming  the  subject  of  common 
schools,  "if  schoolmasters  are  allowed  no  coercive 
intiuence  over  their  scholars,  is  it  not  a  difficult  mat- 
ter to  meet  with  respectable  persons  willinu;  and  able 
to  undertake  a  task  so  laborious  and  ungrateful  V 

"There  are  always  found,"  he  replied,  "some  re- 
spectable young  men,  who,  intended  for  other  profes- 
sions, are  willing  to  devote  two  or  three  year.s  to  a 
parish  or  district  school,  in  order  to  improve  them- 
Jselvcs,  and  save  a  little  money  to  help  them  forward. 
And  even  others,  on  leaving  the  university,  frequently 
hcsin  their  career  bv  conductin<jr  an  inferior  school. 
These,  becoming  noted  by  degrees,  for  their  good 
conduct  and  steady  application,  rise  from  one  station 
to  an^ither,  till  at  last  they  fill  a  professor's  chair  in 
some  college  or  university." 

"It  appears  then,"  said  I,  "that  common  schools 
in  the  States  are  regarded  as  very  subordinate  situa- 
tions;  and  are  not  of  sufficient  imj;ortance,  to  secure 
the  continued  residence  of  a  really  respectable  per- 
son. There  must  either  be  teachers  of  doubtful  cha- 
racter and  qualifications,  or  a  continual  fluctuation, 
in  your  district  schools." 

He  assented  to  the  correctness  of  these  remarks  ; 
and  then  proceeded  in  the  following  narration : — 
"There  are  always  found  persons  both  qualit^.ed  and 
willing  to  conduct  such  schools,  notwithstanding  their 
subordinate  situation,  and  also  the  smallness  of  salaries 
annexed  to  them.  The  following  anecdote  will  con- 
vince you,"  he  continued,  "  that  we  are  at  no  loss  for 
teachers.  Sometime  ago,  a  gentleman  came  over  from 
Ireland,  with  high  and  satisfactory  testimonials,  desi- 
rous of  obtaining  a  professorship  in  some  of  our  schools 
;  or  colleges.  He  applied  to  several  gentlemen  in  the 
States ;  and  to  me,  among  others.  I  was  very  desi- 
rous of  promoting  his  object,  and  recommended  him 
to  the  trustees  of  several  colleges  and  schools,  one 
after  another,  yet  he  could  never  succeed.  His  fail- 
ure did  not  arise,  in  the  least  degree,  from  deficiency 


•    if 

I'! 


•1 


•i 


H 


i  i 


I 


i! 


I 


!( 


ii' 


44 


UNITED  STATES. 


of  talents  or  of  character  ;  but  merely  because  he  was 
a  stranger,  and  was  opposed  by  many  candidates,  whc 
had  greater  personal  interest  than  himself.     Disheart- 
ened,  at  last,  by  frequent  disappointments,  and  redu- 
ced in  his  circumstances,  he  supplicated  me  to  use  uv 
utmost  exertions  i  i  his  behalf     There  happened  sooi 
after  to  be  a  school  on  Long  Island  vacant,  and  I  \w. 
sufficient  inlluence  with  the  electors  to  procure  his  no- 
mination.     The   stipend,  indeed,  was  rather  small 
but  was  enough  to  furnish  a  subsistence.     This  Iriji.l 
gentleman,  after  filling  the  situation  for  some  time,  te!:| 
sick,  and  grew  desirous  of  returning  to  his  nativtj 
country,  and  to  his  relatives,  from  v.'hom,  during  liiv 
American  sojourn,  he  had  heard  no  account.     He 
had  been  unable  to  save  any  thing,  or,  to  speak- more 
correctly,  was  in  debt.     How  to  return  he  did  not- 
know  ;  and  in  this  forlorn  condition,  he  again  appller 
to  my  benevolence.     I  made  his  condition  known  tc: 
some  friends  of  mine,  who  subscribed  a  few  dollars! 
and  procured  him  a  passage  to  Ireland.     He  pronii>. 
ed  to  write  to  me,  on  reachins;-  his  native  country  ;  but 
his  gratitude  evaporated,  and  i  heard  of  him  no  more." 

The  foregoing  anecdote  was  related  to  me  by  a  per- 
son of  conspicuous  standing  in  New-York,  and  thf, 
truth  of  it  is  unquestionable.  A  story,  in  some  re-l 
spects  similar,  but  with  a  tragical  and  melancholy  end-i 
ing,  was  told,  to  dissuade  me  from  emigrating  far 
back,  or  accepting  any  office  in  America  out  of  the 
Atlantic  States.  The  person  v/ho  related  it,  was  pos- 
sessed of  elegant  manners,  and  from  England. 

A  person  lioni  England,  with  every  chanicteristir 
of  a  gentleman,  who  had  moved  in  better  circles,  soli- 
cited the  place  of  schoolmaster  in  a  country  village. 
and  was  successful.  The  emoluments  arising  from 
his  teaching  were  barely  adequate  to  the  supply  oi 
indis))ensable  necessaries,  and  left  him  without  any  ol 
those  little  comforts  which  sweeten  civilized  life.  The 
boors  and  storekeepers  of  the  village,  unaccustomeJl^ 
to  such  a  schoolmaster,  observed,  indeed,  the  propriety 


of  his  cor 
no  interest! 
and  the  eJ 
unwilliniT,! 
infonnatioj 
parties,  pal 
|j)astimes. 
po  kindrofi 
IntcrchanJ 
jiad,  consef 
|vs  bodily 
jwcrc  spcni 
jstraw ;  anc 
^ors  to  the 
lexistence 
Icalcuiation 
jincrcasinn; 
jAt  last,  his 
! unable  loni 
Isolitaiy  roc 
!liis  own  foe 
I  hours,  not  I: 
Uhan  usual, 
I  loss  body 
I  every  cart) 
5  to  aid  him, 
Und  aparti 
i  name,  and 
i  was  useles 
birth  and  i 
■  ni  unconsei 
i  even  comn 
j     "  The  A 
lireneral.  sti 
in  humblin 
if  vou  ret: 
,'  ceivcd  a  ti: 
1  ample  opp 
1  particular. 
^  solitude ;  1 


U' 


:n 


AMERICAN  INSENSIBILITY. 


45 


ause  he  \va> 
lidates,  whc 
Disheart. 
i,  and  redu. 
le  to  use  i\Y 
)pened  sooi 
t,  and  I  hd.(. 
cure  his  ne- 
ither small, 
This  Iri;L 
ne  time,  fell 
)  his  nativt 
,  during-  \\\-[ 
lonnt     1I(; 
speak-moFf 
he  did  no!' 
fain  appliei! 
n  known  to, 
evv  dollars,j 
[le  i^ronii,'. 
)untry ;  but 
no  more," 
e  by  a  per. 
,  and  thf 
some  re- 
icholy  enil-. 
grating-  far 
out  of  tlu 
was  pes- 
id. 

riicteristif 
cles,  soli- 
y  village, 
iing  froiii 
supply  01 
out  any  ol 
life,  the 
eustomeJ 
propriety 


of  his  conduct,  and  his  sad  and  silent  n  ion ;  but  took 
no  interest  in  him,  beyond  the  education  ol  their  children, 
and  the  exercise  of  a  prying  curiosity,  ^vhich  he  was 
unwillinsr,  and  all  others  were  unable  to  arratify,  Iw  any 
information  or  dischjsure.  He  entered  into  none  of  their 
jiarties,  partook  of  nothing  cheerful,  nor  joined  in  any 
^lastimes.  He  found,  in  the  contracted  souls  around  him, 
110  kindred  spirit  with  his  own ;  none,  with  whom  to 
anterchange  ideas,  or  communicate  his  griefs.    His  mind 

Siad,  consequently,  no  intervals  of  social  relaxation:  and 
lis  bodily  wants  were  but  scantily  supj^licd.  His  nights 
jvvere  spent  in  a  wretched  apartment,  and  on  a  bod  of 
istraw  ;  and  his  days,  in  educating  those,  who  were  stran- 
gers to  the  feelings  of  civilized  life,  and  whose  earthly 
^existence  would  be  bounded  by  rustic  toils,  or  sordid 
jcalciiiations.  This  situation  he  tilled  for  some  time,  with 
jincreasing  sadness,  but  without  a  murmur  or  complaint. 
?At  last,  his  strength  became  completely  exhausted  ;  and, 
Kinable  longer  to  attend  his  school,  he  was  confined  to  a 
isnlitaiy  room.     Too  poor  to  hire  attendance,  he  prepared 

lii.s  own  food,  and  lived  bv  himself.  Some  of  the  neii^h- 
j  hours,  not  having  seen  or  heard  of  him  for  a  longer  time 
I  than  usual,  entered  his  lonelv  abode,  and  fjund  his  life- 
jloss  body  stretched  unon  the  straw,  wiiere,  bereft  of 

everv  earthlv  comfort  ne  had  sickened,  without  a  hand 

to  aid  liim,  and  died  in  absolute  solitude.  His  pockets 
land  apartments  were  ransacked,  to  discover  his  real 
hKune,  and  the  place  of  his  nativity;  but  every  inquiry 
iWas  useless.  An  impenetrable  secrec}'  rested  ujion  his 
.birth  and  misfortimes;  and  his  remains  were  deposited 

in  unconsecrated  around,  without  a  sicrh  of  svmT)athv,  or 

even  common  Christian  burial. 
"  The  Americans,"  continued  mv  informant,  "  are,  in 

ircneral.  strangers  to  the  finer  feelings :  and  tak(?  pleasure 

in  humbling  those  whose  manners  ditfer  from  their  own. 
I  If  vou  retire  back  from  the  larger  cities,  which  have  re- 
'  ccived  a  tincture  from  European  residents,  you  will  have 
i  ample  opportunities  of  realising  this  tale,  in  almost  every 
i  particular.  Your  family,  indeed,  will  keep  you  from  utter 
I  solitude ;  but  if  your  children  mix  at  all  times  with  those 


I     t    ■ 


l'      '1      1 


i 


46 


t'NITED  STATES. 


■^ 


around  them,  tlieir  conduct  towards  yourself  will  be  S(}  ^vill  contej 
contaminated  with  republican  principles,  as  will  beconv  fiacl  l)ctter, 
a  source  of  hourly  vexation.  Such  places  are  fitted  In  one  o 
only  for  the  rudest  people,  and  offer  no  correspondenco  xiscd  me  tl 
with  minds  in  the  least  refined  by  good  society,  or  hu-  tho  fnllowi 
manized  bv^  literature."  under  ten 

In  conversation  with  an  American  clergyman,  I  oner,    twenty  for 
expressed  myself  thus : — "  It  appears  strange  U)  me,  tlim    plihough  nJ 
so  many  should  be  found  willini]:  to  en^aij-e  in  schoi'i-    lilc.     He 
teaching,  which,  even  here,  must  require  cx] tensive  qiia-i  tixty  schohj 
lifications,  and  which,  notwithstanding,  is  so  little  respect- 1    liree,  and  i\ 
ed,  and  so  badly  paid."     "The  expensive  preparation,,    t  would  be 
of  which  you  speak,"  he  replied,  "is  generally  dcfraytn    Jiiuher  tern 
by  the  public ;  and  the  respect  is  pei-hajis  greater  thaii    |;ilvO  this  in 
you  have  been  led  to  imagine,  although  not  cfjiial  to  what ,  |\.mcrica  W( 
a  clerfTvman  or  a  lawyer  receives.     A  schoolmaster's 
character  is  less  obtrusive  or  conspicuous,  than  that  oi 
other  professions :  but  he  is  not,  on  that  account,  les> 
respected.     His  standing  in  society  is  equal  to  respecta- 
ble traders,  and  persons  in  the  minor  prolcssions.     But 
perhaps  it  may  afford  you  some  insight  into  this  suljject. 
when  I  tell  you,  that  in  the  New-England  vStates  alone, 
there  are  between  one  and  two  millions  of  dollars,  of  luili- 
lie  funds,  annually  expended,  in  affording  education  to  the 
children  of  those,  who  could  not  otherwise  oljtain  it.  The 
sons  of  these  people,  after  having  obtained  a  grammati- 
cal, and,  in  many  instances,  a  collegiate  education,  u<i 
abroad  into  the  world  without  a  dollar,  to  fight  their  way. 
No  school  or  college  aff  jrds  an  opening,  which  cannot  in- 
stantly be  supplied.     And  a  small  salary  is  perhaps  as 
much  as  they  could  obtain  by  laljour.  or  in  business. 
Besides,  in  })oint  of  respectability,  a  school  p(jssesse> 
some  advantages;  and  may  lead  to  higher  degrees  ot 
advancement,  if  filled  by  merit."     To  this  I  merely  oh- 
served,  "  that  I  never  before  felt  so  strongly  the  force  ul 
Alexander's  reply,  when  asked  if  he  couhl  contend  at  the 
Olympic  games."    "■  I  could  readily  contend,"  he  answer- 
ed, "  if  kings  were  my  competitors."    "  If  clergymen  ot 
eminence  in  learning  were  frequently  so  engaged,  I  could 
open  a  day-school  in  your  country.     But  at  present,  I 


person  ^^'( 
ie  made  fr 

le,  engage( 

le.  Tiie\ 
it'  what  it  i 
lent,  higher 
bnicmber,  t 
licines  are  i 
jicy  learn  tl 
Ittlc  way  in 

When  Id 
It'Columbia 
iiniediately 
lai'ing  them 
|av(3  a  laru 

ought  of  t 
!irjuiries,  an 
Inrselves  w 
I'lt  to  oiubai 
lients,  till  th 
lersally  info 

liuTatf  >rv ; 

:ule  revive 
ast  by  com 

liLfht  briujli 


}; 


( k 


lv'_. 


NEW    DETERMIX.VTIOX. 


47 


will  be  «o 
i^ill  become 

are  fitted 
3spondciicf' 
2tv,  or  hu- 

iiaii,  I  onco 
h)  me,  tliui 

ill    Scll<.)iM- 

?nsive  qua- 
tie  respect- 
ireparation. 

V  (IcthlYtd 

renter  tliaii 
iial  toAvliai 
oolmastci'N) 
ban  tliat  oij 
::coLint,  les^i 
to  rcspectu- 
?ions.     But 
his  sul)ject. 
ates  alone, 
irs,  ol" puli- 
ation to  thi.' 
ainit.  The 
i2:rammati- 
jcation,  U" 
heir  way. 
cannot  in 
5crhaps  a: 
busines< 
p(jssessf> 
egrees  "i 
nerelv  oh- 
le  force  ot 
end  at  the 
le  answer- 
"(Tymen  of 
;d,  I  could 
present,  I 


\vill  content  myself  with  pushing  my  inquiries."     "  You 
had  hetter,"  said  he,  -'  consult  other  tenchers." 

In  one  of  my  interviews  with  Dr.  Wainwright,  he  ad- 
vised me  to  open  a  school  in  New- York,  and  to  charge 
till}  tidlowing  terms ;  t(>n  dollars  per  ([uarter  for  boys 
under  ten  years,  fitteen  for  those  alxtve  that  age,  and 
twenty  for  such  as  might  read  the  higlier  classics.  These, 
although  not  the  highe^st  terms,  are  c^/iisidcred  respecta- 
tlo.  He  su})posed  I  might  soon  have  a  school  of  lit'ty  or 
fcixty  scholars.     The  terms  above  mentioned  are  two, 

iiree,  and  four  pounds  sterling,  per  quarter,  respectively. 
!  t  would  be  difficult  to  raise  a  dav-school  in  Knuland  with 

liiihcr  terms  and  greater  numbers  ;  esi)ecially  when  wc 
|iko  this  into  consideration,  that  the  higher  classics  in 
|\rncrica  would  b(3  lower  classics  in  this  country.  Pei'ha  ps 

i  person  would  imagine  that  a  coiisider;dilc  saving  might 
0  made  from  sucli  a  school.     Yet  I  belie\e  most  ])eo- 
"  \  engaged  in  schools,  in  Xev/-York,  relate  a  di  He  rent 
e.     They  deduct  house  rent,  which  is  nearlv  double 
|t'  what  it  is  with  us;  and  clothes,  which  are  fifty  per 
jnt.  hiu'her  ;  and  fuel,  which  is  also  hi'dier.     They  then 
[eineinber,  that  sickness  is  more  prevalent,  and  tliat  me- 
icines  are  more  expensive.     After  years  of  experience, 
hey  learn  the  fact,  that  a  few  iiundred  dollars  go  but  a 
ttle  way  in  housekeeping. 

When  I  delivered  anintroductor\-  letter  to  Dr.  Moore, 
^t'Columbia  Colleixe,  he  recommended  me  to  take  a  liouse 
Ininediately,  and  receiv.  ujiils  ;  ibr,  b}'  ex])rcssly  pre- 
wiring them  for  the  college,  or  for  ju'ofessions,  I  might 
live  a  large  and  respectal)le  scho(»l.  We  luul  once 
fiought  (if  taking  an  entire  house  ;  but  when  wv.  made 
fiquiries,  and  found  house-rents  excessive,  we  contented 
I'selves  with  lodgings.  We  determined,  ultimately, 
l<»tto  embarrass  rr  distract  ourselves  with  any  enurage- 
lents,  till  the  arrival  of  Spring;  w lien,  as  we  were  uni- 
ersaliy  informed,  all  houses  are  to  let,  and  all  people  are 
liiiTatory;  when  the  rivers  and  canals  are  open,  and 
|;ule  revives  ;  and  wh<Mi  our  (»wn  ))ros))ects,  now  ov^er- 
iast  l)y  contradictory  statements,  tloubts.  and  indecision, 

id  be  relumed  and  renovated  into 


l(r 


up, 


\\ 


\.. 


M 


r 


I 


1' 


/Id' 


48 


UNITED   STATES. 


vernal  promise.  I  continued,  therefore,  to  be  arran. 
ging  my  Sanscrit  work  ;  and  to  keep  my  ears  and  con. 
viction  open  to  every  source  of  intelligence  from  even 
quarter. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Story  of  a  Stranger  antl  his  Travels — Of  his  Book,  and  his  Teach. 
ing  Experience — Case  of  a  young  Schoolmaster  from  England- 
His  sanguine  hopes  and  his  disappointments — The  New-Yor: 
Projirietory  School — Low  state  of  Greek  Teaching  in  Nfw-Yori, 
— Distiiste  for  improvements  in  the  United  States,  lliat  do  no 
promise  immediate  return  in  money — Determmatioii  to  procec; 
to  Boston. 

One  winter  evening,  when  seated  by  the  fire,  a  booi; 
from  some  stranger  was  brought  up  for  our  incpection. 
accompanied  by  a  request  from  its  owner,  that  w 
would  allow  him  to  be  introduced.  The  request  wai 
complied  with.  He  entered  immediately,  and  sooi 
found  himself  at  home  by  our  fire-side. 

The  book  which  preceded  me, "  said  the  stranger 
"  was  written  by  my  uncle,  a  person  of  some  emi 
nence  as  a  literary  man ;  and  a  physician.     I  rnysi'. 
received  a  commercial  education,  and  was  placed ;: 
a  house  of  gieat  note  in  London.     When  I  becaiinf 
my  own  master,  I  possessed  thirteen  hundred  pouniil 
sterling  ;  and  having  heard  much  in  praise  of  Ameria 
I  formed  the  design  of  adopting  it  for  my  home.   ■ 
had  no  sooner  landed  in  this  country,  than  the  repor 
was  circulated,  that  a  wealthy  Englishman  had  ma(l| 
his  appearance  ;  and  I  was  not  long  unsought.     Beiii| 
young  and  inexperienced,  I  was  easily  prevailed  o|i 
to  enter  into  various  schemes  of  business,  which  re- 
quired,   indeed    ready  money,    but  which    promiser 
abundant  and  speedy  profits.  I  need  not  occupy  muc: 
time  in  telling  you,  that  no  scheme  succeded  with  mt 


I  was  com 

than  two  y 
my  reduce 
was  asham 
the  scene  ( 
Canada  to 
travelled  or 
favourable 
tnastcr.  A 
from  one  e 
|ng  place, 

Inore,  and 
urn  destitu 
till  unhum 
0  take.     I 
[ucntly  rer 
Iducation  is 
ind  was  ej 
lonourable 
jollect  mat 
)lish  as  a  sc 
[he  pecunia 
fhan  to  pul 
pedestrian  ( 
)ver  all  the 
la.    I  canvs 
;ou]d  be  co 
ill  possible 
ly  business 
lieighbourhc 
[ions  of  the 
lessity  incu 
then  recon 
lents  to  one 
In  every  vil 
Hid  then  so 
Ihing  succei 
biii^iiine  ex 
Subscription 


STRANGER  S  BOOK. 


49 


from  eveiv 


)  be  arran.  \  ^as  completely  cheated  and  plundered  ;  and  in  less 
s  and  con.  i  ^i^an  two  years,  was  without  a  dollar  in  the  world.  lu 
my  reduced  situation,  I  could  not  dig,  and  to  beg  I 
was  ashamed.  I  therefore  determined  to  retire  from 
the  scene  of  my  disgrace  and  ruin,  ond  to  go  up  into 
Canada  to  try  my  fortune.  That  extensive  region  I 
travelled  on  foot,  with  the  intention  of  choosing  some 
favourable  place,  in  which,  to  commence  school- 
jnaster.  After  having  rambled  up  and  down  in  it 
from  one  end  to  the  other,  and  having  found  no  rest- 
ing place,  I  relinquished  the  British  Territories  once 
inore,  and  turned  my  attention  to  the  States.  To  re- 
furn  destitute  to  England,  was  a  step,  which  my  pride, 
till  unhumbled  and  unsubdued,  would  not  allow  me 
0  take.  I  had,  whilst  living  among  Americans,  fre- 
ucntly  remarked,  how  exceedingly  defective  their 
(liication  is,  when  contrasted  with  that  of  Europeans  ; 
nd  was  eager  to  convert  this  circumstance  to  an 
onourable  source  of  profit.  I  therefore  began  to 
ollect  materials  for  a  book,  which  I  intended  to  pu- 
ish  as  a  school-book  ;  but,  from  being  destitute  of 
he  pecuniary  means,  I  had  no  other  alternative  left 
han  to  publish  by  subscription.  I  therefore  turned 
edestrian  once  more  ;  and  travelled  up  and  down 
ver  all  the  States,  as  I  had  before  done  over  Cana- 
a.  I  canvassed  every  place,  in  which  as  many  people 
ould  be  collected  as  would  form  a  school.  I  sought 
11  possible  publicity.  Wherever  I  went,  I  made  it 
y  business  to  seek  out  the  principal  persons  of  the 
leighbourhood.  I  explained  to  them  the  imperfec- 
ions  of  their  own  system  of  education,  and  the  ne- 
the  repor  ;essity  incumbent  upon  them  of  procuring  a  better, 
had  ma(l| '  then  recommended  them  to  give  impartial  encourage- 
ht.  Beiii|  nents  to  one  from  England;  and  proposed  my  own; 
revailedot  n  every  village  I  entered,  I  followed  the  same  plan; 
which  re  [ui\  then  solicited  subscriptions  to  my  book.  The 
promise:  ^  hing  succeeded  beyond  my  utmost  wishes,  or  most 
cupy  muc:  lan^niine  expectations.  I  told  every  person,  whose 
id  with  mi     ubscription  I  requested,  that  my  book  should  not  be 


nd  his  Teacl;. 
>m  En^'land- 
lie  Nevv-Yoi: 
;in  Nf-w-Yori 
!,  that  do  no 
)n  to  procee; 


fire,abooi; 
incpectioD, 
!r,  that  m 
equest  wai 
,  and  sooi 


le  strangei 
some  eini' 

I  myss': 
s  placed  il 

I  becaiKl 
red  pound! 
)f  Americai 
f  home. 


II 


\   t 


!  . 


I    ' 


IT; 

I  'i 


50 


TNITED  STATES. 


printed,  until  ten  thousand  copies  were  subscibed  for, 
and  I  had  security  for  the  payment.  Before  the  ex. 
spiration  of  two  years  the  greater  part  of  which  had 
been  spent  in  perambulating  the  States,  I  had  obtained 
twenty-five  thousand  subscriptions ;  with  security  for 
the  payment,  as  soon  as  the  book  should  be  deiivered.j 
"You  will  very  naturally  wonder,  how  a  poor  man, 
without  a  single  dollar,  contrived  to  feed  and  clothej 
himself  (and  let  me  tell  you  I  lived  and  dressed  sump.j 
tuously)  during  almost  two  years,  without  expense  toj 
himself,  or  any  inconvenience.  Wherever  I  entered! 
I  followed  the  Scripture  precept,  *'  Peace  be  to  thisj 
house."  I  had  become  so  completely  divested,  notj 
only  of  English  money,  but  of  English  feeling  also, 
that  I  might  be  considered  as  Yankeefied  altogether, 
I  had  discovered  that  a  foreigner  cannot  affront  an 
American  more,  than  by  telling  any  truth  whicH 
offends  his  prejudices.  I  therefore  talked  as  thejj 
talked.  I  ran  down  the  English,  I  praised  Amerii 
cans  to  the  skies ;  I  assured  them  that  nothing  wasf 
wanting  to  render  them  the  wisest  and  happiest  uponl 
earth,  but  a  more  perfect  system  of  instruction  ;  whicb; 
I  myself  was  qualified  to  impart.  I  thus  enlisted  theirf 
prejudices  on  my  side  ;  and  that  is  every  thing  witlii 
Americans.  They  took  me  by  the  hand  wherever  il 
went.  They  invited  me  into  their  houses.  Thej 
caressed  and  honoured  me.  When  1  was  hungry  they 
fed  me  ;  and  when  thirsty,  they  gave  me  drink.  When 
I  was  naked,  they  clothed  me  ;  and  sheltered  me  h 
their  houses  whenever  I  sought  their  hospitality.  Bj 
these  means,  I  contrived  to  pass  almost  two  years; 
and  with  improved  health,  strength,  and  spirits ;  withl 
a  perfect  knowledge  of  America  and  its  people,  theirl 
propensities,  failings,  and  prejudices,  I  returned  to 
New-York,  and  published  my  book.  The  profits  of 
its  sale  realized  for  nie  six  hundred  pounds,  and  also 
gained  me  reputation.  I  might  almost  say,  that  this 
was  diamond  cut  diamond.  It  brought  back  nearly 
half  the  money  of  which  I  had  been  previously  de- 


a 


prived. 
school,  an 
lars  have 
menced,  m 
>  pupils." 

*'  I  supp 
pounds  ev 
;    "  You 
Igold  whic 
!  Indeed,  to 
jmy  riches 
I  very  high; 
I  boys,  and  : 
1    "  Have 
quired. 
or,  more 
\  have  made 
\  middle  of  i 
■  up  my  schc 
;  savings  ha^ 
i  up-hill  pan 
\  to  the  futui 
\     "  But  ho 
i  Irom  so  larj 
"  I  have 
]  cessive.     I 
i  great.    An 
any  kind  ( 
Many  pare 
I  am  often  ( 
some  addit 
short,  I  get 
this ;  for  n: 
people.     B 
which  befa 
not  recolle* 
ceeding  in 
all  his  Eng 
persons  frc 
stooping  tc 


'  ■ 


STRANGER  S  EXPERIENCE. 


51 


ibscibed  for, 

fore  the  ex- 

f  which  had 

lad  obtaineil 

security  for 

e  delivered] 

a  poor  man, 

\  and  clothe 

essed  sump. 

t  expense  to 

r  I  entered,! 

be  to  this 

ivested,  not 

eeling  also, 

altogether, 

affront  an 

ruth   whicH 

3d   as   thevi 

ised  Ameri.! 

lothing  wasf 

ppiest  upon^ 

ion  ;  which; 

ilisted  theirf 

r  thing  witlil 

wherever!' 

;es.     Thev 

ungry  thev 

ik.    When 

ered  me  iii 

tality.     By 

wo  years  ii 

"rits ;  witli! 

ople,  their 

eturned  to 

profits  ol 

and  also 

that  tbis; 

Lck  nearly 

iously  de- 


prived. Furthermore,  it  procured  me  a  prosperous 
school,  and  an  American  lady  for  my  wife.  My  scho 
lars  have  been  regularly  increasing,  since  I  first  com- 
menced, which  is  six  years  ago,  and  I  have  now  seventy 
'  pupils." 

*'  I  suppose  you  save,"  said  I,  "  several  hundreds  of 
pounds  every  year,  by  your  profession." 

"  You  must  not  suppose,"  he  replied,  "  that  it  is  all 
<io\d  which  glitters.  I  do  not  save  one  hundred  yearly. 
Indeed,  to  speak- the  truth,  this  is  the  first  year,  in  which 
my  riches  have  increased  by  teaching.  House  rent  is 
very  high ;  and  I  am  obliged  to  rent  two  rooms,  one  for 
boys,  and  another  for  girls." 

"  Have  you  a  mixed  school  of  boys  and  girls  ?"  I  in- 
quired. "  Yes,"  replied  he ;  "  and  two  rooms  for  them ; 
or,  more  properly  speaking,  one  large  room,  which  I 
:  have  made  into  two,  by  suspending  a  curtain  across  the 
middle  of  it.  I  have  been  at  a  great  expense  in  fitting 
up  my  school  with  forms  and  tables,  so  that  hitherto  my 
savings  have  been  trifling.  I  now  have  hopes,  that  the 
up-hill  part  of  my  life  is  already  past ;  and  look  forward 
to  the  future  with  brightening  expectations." 

"  But  how  is  it,"  observed  I,  "  that  nothing  is  saved, 
from  so  large  a  school  ?" 

"  I  have  told  you,"  he  replied,  "  that  house  rent  is  ex- 
cessive. My  expenses,  also,  in  fitting  up,  have  been 
great.  And  besides  all  this,  no  person  in  America,  in 
any  kind  of  business,  expects  to  obtain  all  his  dues. 
Many  parents  never  pay  at  all ;  and  the  bills  of  others 
I  am  often  obliged  to  take  out  in  shop  goods,  with  perha 
I  some  addition  to  ready  money  prices  laid  on  them. 
short,  I  get  paid  as  I  can.  But  I  do  not  complain  of 
this ;  for  my  success,  in  this  respect,  equals  that  of  most 
people.  But  there  is  one  very  remarkable  circumstance, 
which  befalls  all  English  people  who  settle  here.  I  do 
not  recollect  a  single  instance,  c  "  any  Englishman  suc- 
ceeding in  the  States,  who  had  not  first  been  freed  from 
all  his  English  money.  There  is  a  kind  of  pride  about 
persons  from  *the  old  country,'  which  prevents  their 
stooping  to  the  practices  of  this,  till  compelled  to  do  so 


i: 


■I 


.  1 


I-  ' 

.   (5 


) 


)'r 


'  I'. 


I  \ 


I  f 


I  I 


52 


UNITED    STATES. 


a  lorifT  conversa- 


by  absolute  want.  When  they  have  found,  that  citlior 
compliance,  or  starvation,  is  the  consequence,  thuy 
prefer  the  less  of  two  evils,  and  turn  Americans  in 
self  defence.  And  indeed  we  often  find  them  l^ndini' 
their  endeavours,  in  their  turn,  to  assist  such  as  come 
with  money  in  their  pockets,  to  become  Americans  a< 
soon  as  possil)le." 

V/idi  this  intelligent  teacher  I  had 
tioion ;  which  ended  in  ('onvincing  me,  that  a  common 
school  would  never  serve  my  purpose.  He  confirnieil 
every  thing  I  had  heard,  res])ecting  the  insubordination 
of  children  in  America,  and  the  impossibility  of  instruct- 
ino"  them  in  anv  thing,  to  which  their  own  inclination? 
were  adverse.  His  experience  led  him  to  believe,  thai 
every  family  is  a  republic.  The  children  are  indepen- 
dent of  parental  control,  and  tlie  J/e/ps  are  independent 
of  their  einployers.  But  yet  he  had  become  reconciled 
to  American  manners,  and  looked  forward  to  comfort  in 
his  family.     To  save  much  he  believed,  was  impossible, 

"  Do  you  find  the  life  of  a  schoolmaster  very  labori- 
ous ?"  I  asked. 

"  A  teacher,"  he  replied,  "  is  not,  in  America,  so  great 
a  slave  as  in  England.  We  begin  our  labours  at  nine  in 
tlie  morning,  and  end  them  at  three  in  the  afternoon; 
after  which  hour,  the  business  of  the  day  is  over.  Wc 
have  no  trouble  with  the  boys,  out  of  school  hours ;  so 
tliat  we  are  better  paid,  perhaps  for  our  time  and  exer- 
tions, than  persons  of  the  same  prolessioii  in  England." 

**  Do  you  find,"  said  I,  "  that  the  boys  make  much  pro- 
gress, by  having  so  much  leisure  time  ?" 

"  It  pleases  the  parents,"  he  said,  "  and  it  pleases  the 
scholars ;  and  you  must  know,  that  where  this  can  be 
accomplished,  the  battle  is  won.  Indeed,  it  is  more  to 
tlie  interest  of  a  master,  to  keep  on  good  terms  with  the 
boys,  than  with  their  parents ;  for,  instances  are  not  few, 
in  which  boys  have  left  one  master,  and  gone  to  another, 
without  consulting  their  natural  guardians.  A  boy,  in 
this  country,  who  has  acted  in  this  manner,  when  the 
thing  comes  to  his  parents  ears,  will  generally  carry  his 
point,  and  compel  them  to  sanction  his  choice,    All 


children 
and  keep 
cessary. 
lege,  or  w 
cd  like  bo 
improving 
'^  Will  . 
'  the  sight  c 
my  mind, 
\  luid  perfo 
coffers  wit 
i  with  usefu 
•     "I  hav( 
j  swer.    "  I 
I  the  pleasu] 
I  my  terms, 
I  direct  you 
i  call,  I  will 
\  u  poor  per 
;  some  amus 
5  and  I  nev( 
s  speak  with 
I     This  lit 
effects.     It 
nm  and  tl 
It  also  ex( 
I  emigrant  ii 
]  and  flatter! 
j  have  any  ^ 
I  over  showi 
i  manv  othe 
I  110  ousmes 
I  ness;  and 
nature  of  i 
all  classes 
with  each 
hcen  speai 
and  w.is,  ] 
was  about 
mv  feeliii" 


STRANGER  S    STORY. 


68 


,  that  cither 
loncc,  thoy 
nerican.s  in 
lem  h^mhiiL' 
::h  as  come 
Qicricaiii)  a> 

T  conversed- 
a  common 
2  conflrincilf 
Ijonhiiatiunl 
of  instruct- 1 
inchnatioiui 
iclievc,  thai) 
re  indcpcnj 
ndcpendent' 
reconcile;! 
>  comfort  if: 
impossible,! 
ery  labori-t 

;a,  sogreaU 
s  at  nine  in 
afternoon: 
|)ver.     We 
hours;  so 
and  exer-j 
England."' 
much  pro- 
leases  the 
his  can  be 
is  more  to 
s  with  the 
'e  not  few  J  | 
o  another, 
A  boy,  in 
when  the 
carry  his 
pice.    All 


cliildrcn  in  New- York  are  taught  to  read  and  write, 
and  keep  accounts.  This  is  ail  tiiat  is  absolutely  ne- 
cessary. And  even  tiiose  who  go  to  Columbia  Col- 
lege, or  who  receive  the  best  education,  are  not  instruct- 
ed like  boys  in  England.  But  education  is  perceptibly 
improving. 

"  Will  you  do  me  the  fjxvour,"  said  I,  "  to  allow  me 

the  sight  of  your  book  ?"  lor  a  strong  desire  had  entered 

my  mind,  of  inspecting  that  wonderful  volume,  which 

;  had  performed  the  double  purpose,  of  replenishing  his 

.  cotfers  with  money,  and  filling  the  minds  of  Americans 

\  with  useful  knowledge." 

1  "  I  have  not  brought  a  copy  with  me,"  was  the  an- 
swer. "  But  I  shall  be  very  happy,  if  you  will  do  me 
the  pleasure  of  calling  at  my  house.  Here  is  the  list  of 
my  terms,  and  of  the  classes  of  my  school.  It  will  also 
direct  you  to  both  my  school  and  residence.  When  you 
call,  I  will  present  you  with  a  copy  of  my  book.  It  is 
a  poor  performance ;  but  the  sight  of  it  may  afford  you 
some  amusement."  He  th.en  wished  me  a  good  night ; 
and  I  never  had  an  opportunity  to  call  on  him,  or  to 
speak  with  him  again. 

This  little  adventure  was  not  without  some  useful 
effects.  It  afforded  me  an  insight  into  American  teach- 
ing, and  the  modes  of  being  remunerated  for  the  same. 
It  also  exemplified  the  necessity,  under  which  every 
emigrant  must  find  himself,  of  bending  to  the  prejudices, 
and  flattering  the  vanity,  of  the  American  public,  if  he 
have  any  well  directed  prospects  of  success.  It  moro 
over  showed  me,  what  I  had  antecedently  learned  from 
many  other  sources,  that  an  honorable  Englishman  has 
no  business  in  the  States,  except  as  an  eye  and  ear-wit- 
ness ;  and  can  only  arrive  at  a  knowledge  of  the  real 
nature  of  things  there,  by  mixing  in  some  measure  with 
all  classes  of  so(!iety,  and  comparing  their  statements 
with  each  other.  The  schoolmaster,  of  whom  I  have 
hcen  speaking,  possessed  evidently  considerable  talent ; 
and  w.is,  I  am  sure,  a  worthy  and  useful  man.  There 
was  about  him  something  so  lively  and  interesting,  that 
niy  feelings  were  entirely  engrossed  in  his  descriptions ; 


I! 


J  t 


)!■ 


i; 

i 

f  ' 


I,  :' 


=  11 


^ 


54 


UMTf:D    STATES. 


and  when,  on  departing,  he  called  his  book  a  poor  per- 
forniance,  his  modesty  hroui^dit  to  my  recollection  an 
anecdote  related  to  me  bv  a  fjentleman  who  called  or, 
Mr.  Abernothv  to  consult  him. 

*'  Mv.  Aberncthy,"  said  he,  addressing  the  eccentric 
philosopher  "being  from  Scotland, and  feeling  hononrcG 
in  so  illustrious  a  countryman,  I  have  })aid  myself  the 
com})liment  of  calling  on  you,  to  avail  myselt"  of  your 
skill."  "Sir,"  replied  the  siu'geon,  "some  j)eo})le  nn 
pleased  to  esteem  me  skiltul ;  but  yet  I  assure  you,  thai 
I  an.  no  great  proficient  after  all."  His  prescrijilinii. 
however,  ])roved  invaluable ;  and  this,  contrasted  with 
his  modesty,  forms  the  moral  of  the  anecdote. 

A  young  man,  with  whom  I  had  been  well  acquainted 
in  England,  arrived  in  New- York  a  few  weeks  aiter  us, 
He  had  been  emph^yed  in  England  as  teacher,  first  in  a 
highly  res})ectablc  .school  belonging  to  another  person. 
and  afterwards  in  an  estal)lishment  of  his  own.  He  ac- 
cepted a  similar  situation  in  New- York ;  and  an  adven- 
ture which  bcfcl  him  will  illustrate  my  statements. 

An  elderly  person  in  the  city,  who  had  long  conduct- 
ed a  day  school,  had  received  intelligence  of  some  pro- 
perty bequeathed  to  him  in  England;  and  became  de- 
sirous, in  consequence  of  this  addition  to  his  income,  of 
meeting  with  some  cnc,  to  whom  he  could, — for  twelve 
months  at  least,  and  perhaps  finally, — intrust  his  pupils. 
My  friend  loceived,  through  some  channel,  timely  inti- 
mation of  this  matter,  and  lost  no  time  in  attending  on 
the  schoolmaster.  He  w^as  approved  of;  and  entered 
almost  immediately  on  his  duties.  He  called  at  our 
apartments  the  following  day,  and  announced  his  good 
fortune.  "  He  had  at  last,"  he  said,  "  been  favoured 
with  genial  zephyrs  and  prosperous  gales ;  and  had 
reached  the  mooring  ground,  where  he  desired  to  anchor. 
He  loved  America.  He  loved  its  people.  Their  kind- 
ness to  him  was  unbounded.  He  had  never  before  w  it- 
nessed  so  great  civility,  nor  met  with  such  encourage- 
ment." In  short,  he  seemed  to  be  transported  from  his 
wonted  feelings,  as  far  as  he  was  from  his  native  country, 
and  to  be  in  raptures  with  his  prospects.    How  gay  and 


chamiinrJ 
plays  befJ 
liini  since! 
,iny  wisli,| 
i    'a  few 
•pcctation? 
'coiiceivcdl 
jlliund  his 
I  attended, 
jfrraccs  of" 
Ibiit  this  liLl 
itheir  seeiil 
i noise  wou 
|ubscrved, 
tractable  a 
And  I  cert 
never  Ijef. 
However,' 
Americans 
;  horses ;  an 
;thi.s ;  and  > 
\  ing  as  muc 
i  in  any  part 
:  Americans, 
'  behaved  as 
finding  scl 
countries  i 
enter  on  tl 
;  high  opinio 
;  meats  be  fi 
"  I  have 
i  rand.     Tb 
also  one  in 
by  illness, 
'  my  opinior 
"  I  shall 
progress  oi 
•  fortunes ;  i 
wards  app 
:     A  few  d 


tii ,. ; 


a  pof>r  per- 
ol led  ion  ;u. 
lo  called  or, 

ic  occentrii 
ir^  honoiirru 
myself  the 
jell'  of  your 
})cople  are 
re  yon,  thai 
irescriptiuii, 
rasted  with 
;e. 

acquaintfc 
cks  after  ii?, 
er,  first  in  a 
ther  person, 
rn.     lie  ac- 
d  an  ad  von- 
ments. 
Iig  conduct- 
'  some  pro 
)ccamc  de- 
income,  ot 
-for  twehe 
;  his  pupils, 
imelv  inti- 
tending  on 
|nd  entered 
ed  at  our 
his  good 
favoured 
and  had 
to  anchor, 
heir  kind- 
eforo  wit- 
icourage- 
from  his 
country, 
gay  and 


YOUNG    SrilOOLMASTEU  S    SANGUINE    IIOPKS. 


55 


chamiing,  thought  I,  is  the  Hckle  jj:oddess,  when  she  dis- 
jdays  before  ms  her  glitleriiiLr  pinions!  I  congratulated 
liiin  sincerely  on  his  tlatteriiig  ])rospects,  and  expressed 
,  inv  wish,  that  iiis  anticipations  might  be  fLiily  realized. 
'     A  few  days  after,  he  called  again,  w  ith  unabated  ex- 
pectations.    He  had  obtained   (Muidoyment,  which  he 
loonccived  would  yield  him  a  handsome  income  ;  and  he 
ifuund  his  school  was  increasing.     His  ])redecess()r  still 
jattcnded,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  him  in  the  good 

Iffraccs  of  his  pupils ;  whom  he  lound,  intleed,  veiy  noisy  ; 
hut  this  he  conceived  to  arise  from  the  circumstance  of 
their  seeing  two  masters  insteatl  of  one,  and  that  tlu3 
fnoise  would  gradually  subside.     "  jNIy  predecessor,''  lie 
|ubserved,  "  has  plainly  told  me,  that  his  scholars  are  so 
i  tractable  and  well  behaved,  as  to  need  no  correction. 
And  I  certainly  believe  him ',  although  I  confess  I  have 
never  before  witnessed  such  proceedings  in  a  sclufol. 
H<jvvever,"  continued  he,  "  I  am  credibly  informed,  that 
Americans  have  a  law,  which  forbids  the  correction  of 
j horses;  and  that  the  horses  tlunnselves  are  sensible  of 
this;  and  evince  their  acknowledgements,  by  per  form- 
ting  as  much  labor,  and  ))eing  as  obedient  as  any  horses 
:  in  any  part  of  the  world.     And  iVom  w  hat  1  see  of  the 
Americans,  I  believe  them  to  be  as  sensible,  and  as  w'ell 
behaved  as  their  horses.     1  have  no  doubt,  theretore,  of 
jfuidinix  scholars  here  do  more  tcithout,  than  in  other 
countries  toith,   the   chastisement  of  stripes."     "  You 
enter  on  the  performance  of  your  duties,"  said  I,  "  with 
high  ojjinions  of  your  pupils.     May  your  present  senti- 
,  meats  be  fully  justified.     Go  on  and  prosper." 

"  I  have  not,  yet,"  resumed  he,  "  told  you  all  my  er- 

!  rand.     There  is  a  school  vacant  on  Long  Island ;  and 

also  one  in  New- York,  the  master  of  which  is  enfeebled 

by  illness,  and  wishes  to  resign.     Either  of  these,  it  is 

my  opinion,  you  might  obtain  on  application." 

"  I  shall  take  great  interest,"  said  I,  "  in  watching  the 
progress  of  your  school,  and  the  confirmation  of  your 
Ibrtunes ;  and  if  these  prove  satisfactory,  I  may  after- 
1  wards  apply." 

A  few  days  after  this,  he  paid  us  another  visit ;  but 


I! 


I' 


i  \ 


It 


56 


UNITED    STATES. 


with  altered  looks,  and  less  of  sprightliness  than  before, 
"  How  now  ?"  said  I,  "  what  is  the  reason  of  this  altera- 
lion  in  your  conduct  ?  What  lias  befallen  you  ?"  "  I  re- 
gret," said  he,  that  I  ever  engaged  in  the  school.  I  have 
been  obliged  to  expel  eight  of  my  scholars.  The  noise 
and  uproar  of  my  school  had  been  increasing  every  day 
till  at  last  it  reached  so  high  a  pitch,  that  neither  I  nor 
my  pupils  could  be  distinctly  heard.  I  reprimanded 
such  as  appeared  most  riotous,  but  some  of  them  told 
me  they  would  not  be  restrained  by  any  English  tyrant; 
so  I  visited  one  of  them  with  a  stroke.  Hereupon  the 
whole  school  became  a  scene  of  anarchy.  I  was  pelted 
on  all  sides,  with  books,  and  slates,  and  copies,  and 
obliged  to  leave  my  seat.  All  the  scholars  pressed  oa 
and  endeavoured  to  strike  or  kick  me.  I  was  compelled 
to  take  refuge  behind  a  pillar,  against  which  I  placed  my 
back,  and  protected  myself  in  front,  by  a  chair.  Sucii 
as  approached  near  enough  I  knocked  down,  and  kept  the 
whole  rabble  of  them  at  bay.  At  last,  snatching  a  piece 
of  wood  out  of  the  hands  of  the  oldest,  I  put  my  pupils 
on  the  defensive ;  and  when  I  had  completely  subdued 
every  appearance  of  resistance,  I  turned  the  ringleaders 
out  of  doors.  Every  symptom  of  insubordination  has 
vanished  ;  but  you  cannot  conceive  how  much  mort 
cation  I  have  experienced."  "  1  can  conceive,"  I  replied, 
"  very  well,  the  trouble  you  have  undergone  ;  but  I  ad- 
vise you  to  adopt  no  sudden  or  inconsiderate  measure. 
It  is  scarcely  three  weeks  since  you  were  exceedingly 
elated  by  flattering  prospects,  and  now  you  seem  as 
greatly  depressed  by  reverse  of  fortune.  Perhaps  the 
storm  will  blow  over." 

My  friend  continued  to  conduct  the  school ;  and  as  1 
was  desirous  of  seeing  it,  he  gave  me  an  invitation. 
What  was  my  surprise,  to  find  no  boy  above  the  age  oi 
nine  or  ten  year^v" !  These,  some  of  them  not  a})ove  six 
years  old,  had  but  a  little  time  before  threatened  anni- 
hilation to  his  authority.  What  brave  peo})le  these  youna 
Americans  may  become,  it  is  difficult  to  jn'cdict ;  lor 
tjiey  are  certainly  courageous.  Their  ])rogress  in  stu- 
dies would,  1  think,  be  accelerated  by  discipline ;  lor 


t( 


tliey  wer 
pn  the  tal 
J   I  had  1 
hiind,  the 
pnijlish 
tatement 
lie  field  is 
dV  himsel 
Dr.  Mi 
M'hool  hac 
hich,  afte 
as  no  una 
red  no  ad 
inbia  Coll 
inestioned. 
ilation  the 
lighest  brai 
e  that,  i 
ou  may  b 
ilishment." 
"  Is  there 
lis  would  I 
onials  pre 
[iven  you," 
here  is  ye 
Jthough  gr( 
icted  institi 
Ind  a  longe] 
bncricans  i 
lid  I,  "  is  a 
lid  effecting 
nprovemen 
ccompaniei 
oes  not  pj 
only  a  prol 
Lition  bein^ 
1st  as  I  ha' 
xncctations 
riic  Greel 
'ew  re-prin 


than  before, 
)f  this  altera- 
3U?"  "Ire. 
hool.  I  have 
The  noise 
g  every  day, 
neither  I  nor 
reprimanded 
of  them  told 
gUsh  tyrant; 
iereupon  the 

I  was  peheii 
copies,  aiic 

3  pressed  on 
IS  compelled 

I I  placed  my 
:hair.  Such 
and  kept  the 
ihing  a  piece 
ut  my  pupili 
ely  subduea 
3  ringleader; 
dination  has 
inch  mortifi- 
e,"  I  replied, 

but  I  ad- 
te  measure, 
exceedinalv 
u  seem  a: 
'erhaps  the 

|)1 ;  and  as 

invitation, 
the  age  oi 
above  si\ 
tenod  aniii 
these  voiinii 
|iredict;  k 
rcss  in  stii' 
lipline;  foi 


NEW-YORK    PKOrRIETORY    SCHOOL. 


67 


tliev  were  under  no  proper  restraint,  and  were  playing 
pn  the  tables. 

•  I  had  now  no  further  need  of  debating,  in  my  own 
jnind,  the  propriety  of  a  day-schocd  in  America.  If  any 
JEnizli^h  teacher  doubts  the  literal  correctness  of  my 
|tatements,  or  still  imagines  he  would  like  the  country, 
lie  field  is  open  before  him ; — let  him  go  and  examine 
ir  himself. 

Dr.  Milnor  once  informed  me  that  a  Proprietory 
•hool  had  been  established  in  the  City  of  New- York, 
lich,  after  a  trial  of  two  years,  was  abandoned.  There 
as  no  unanimity  among  those  concerned ;  and  as  it  of- 
•red  no  advantages  above  what  might  be  gained  at  (Jo- 
nibia  College,  nor  any  saving  to  parents,  its  utility  was 
ucstioncd.  "  But,"  continued  he,  "  there  is  in  contern- 
ation  the  establishment  of  an  univcrsitv,  in  which  the 
iiihest  branches  of  education  will  be  taught.  It  is  pos- 
lible  that,  if  your  powers  of  teaching  be  approved  ofi 
ou  may  be  elected  to  fill  some  situation  in  that  esta- 
lishment." 

"  Is  there  any  degree  of  certainty  ?"  inquired  I,  "  that 
lis  would  be  the  case,  should  my  character  and  testi- 
onials  prove  satisfactory  f '  "  No  promise  could  be 
ven  you,"  said  he, "  on  which  reliance  should  be  placed. 
here  is  yet  no  certainty  that  an  university  will  be  built, 
Although  ground  for  it  has  been  purchased.  The  pro 
'  cted  institution  has  been  agitated  for  two  or  three  years, 
nd  a  longer  time  may  elapse  before  it  be  erected.  The 
incricans  are  fonder  of  talking  than  of  acting."  "  This," 
lid  I,  "is  at  variance  with  the  improvements  efTected, 
nd  effecting,  in  vaiious  parts  of  the  country."  " The 
iiprovements,"  he  remarked,  "  are  directly  and  visibly 
ccompanied  with  pecuniary  results,  which  an  university 
oes  not  promise.  "  There  a})pcars,  then,"  I  asked, 
only  a  probability,  but  not  a  certainty,  of  such  insti- 
iition  being  founded?"  "The  case,"  he  replied,  "is 
1st  as  I  have  stated,  and  I  do  not  wish  to  encourage 
xpoctations  which  might  end  in  disappointment." 
The  Greek  language  is  yet  but  little  known  in  America, 
cw  re-prints  of  Greek  authors  have  appeared  there ; 


'        i't 


i   I' 


>    ( 


li 


// 


fi  I 


1 


68 


VNITED   STATES. 


and  of  the  few  which  have,  some  appeared  quite  improi 
per  for  a  country  so  young  and  so  unlettered.     Whilsil 
engaged  in  examining  school-books  in  an  American  boolij 
seller's,  I  found  a  New- York  edition  of  Longinus,  edited 
I  was  told,  by  a  professor  of  Columbia  College,  and  fronj 
the  antiquated  text  of  Dr.  Pearce.    Columbia  College 
regarded  in  the  States,  as  nothing  more  than  a  publiJ 
grammar-school.      In  a  country,  where  literature 
general  is  at  an  exceedingly  low  standard,  and  Greei| 
literature  in  particular,  a  school-book  like   Longinu 
appears  exceedingly  unsuitable.     His  work  is  a  critiqu 
upon  the  best  authors,  in  a  language  which  had,  previoii 
to  his  birth,  declined  from  its  purity ;  and  his  treatisJ 
itself  is  not  only  difficult,  but  also  is  not  classed  amonj 
those  of  the  golden  age.     To  read  such  a  work  as 
school-book,  whilst  the  authors  which  it  criticises  are  bd 
little  understood,  appears  like  beginning  at  the  wroiii 
end.     If  it  has  been  selected  with  a  view  to  instrufj 
Americans  in  chasteness  of  style,  or  sublimity  of  idea| 
the  intention  might  be  good;  but  the  issue,  I  am  sur 
has  not  equalled  the  intention.     There  are  some  nativl 
Americans,  whom  all  allow  to  be  elegant  authors  ;  bn 
we  must  alwavs  bear  in  mind,  that  there  education 
rather  European  than  American.     A  great  majority 
transatlantic  writers  have  no  refinement  of  sentimeni 
nor  elegance  of  diction ;  and  their  compositions  exhibii 
a  curious  medley  of  prejudice,  ignorance,  and  bombai 
The  Greek  plays  are  hardly  read  at  all  in  Amcri 
Metres  are  little  understood,  and  versification  less, 
speak  confidently,  when  I  say,  that  boys  in  good  schooi 
near  London  have,  at  the  age  of  from  twelve  to  fourteei 
a  more  solid  and  thorough  classical  education,  than  tl 
young  men  who  have  passed  through  Columbia  College 
and,  I  believe,  than  any  persons  educated  altogether  ii 
Amerca.     Methematical  knowledge  is  much  upon  a 
with   classical.     The   professors  of  Columbia  Col 
made  some  attempts  to  raise  the  study  of  languages  to 
higher  standard.     Such  elevation  ot  studies  would  r 
quire  additional   exertion  from  pupils,  and  additiuiw 
expenditure  from  parents,  and  has  been  vigorousl|| 


DISTASTE    FOR   IMPROVEMENT. 


59 


Ipposed  by  both.     Many,  even  of  the  supporters  of  that 

[ollege,  question  the  utility  of  high  Hterary  attainments. 

They  cast  their  thoughts  and  glances  upon  such  as  have 

[aincd  distinction  in  collegiate  exercises,  and  find  that, 

ihcn  contrasted  with  others,  they  are  neither  better 

llerks,  better  shopmen,  nor  more  thriving  traders.    They 

lien  begin  to  ask  the  advocates  of  learning,  what  are 

le  advantages  it  is  expected  to  confer.     Instead  of 

sndering  its  votaries  more  attached  to  business,  more 

iger  for  dollars  acquired  in  any  manner,  more  wedded 

narrow  and  sordid  gains,  they  perceive  that  it  gene- 
ites  a  taste  for  reading,  a  love  of  scientific  and  rational 
lleasures,and  a  freedom  from  the  coarser  manners  which 
istinguished  their  forefathers.  I  have  heard  it  gravely 
Irgued,  that  Columbia  College  has  proved  a  source  of 
|itterness  to  many  in  New- York,  by  rendering  their  sons 
much  the  gentleman,  and  disqualifying  them  for 
lusiness. 

I  distrust,  however,  extremely,  the  correctness  of  this 
iference.     It  reminds  me  of  a  scene  which  took  place 

my  presence,  between  the  late  Bishop  of  Chester, 
Ind  a  number  of  miners  in  the  mountains  of  Yorkshire. 
lis  lordship  suggested  many  little  alterations  and  im- 
jrovemcnts  in  their  chapel,  which  would  render  their 
llace  of  worship  much  more  convenient,  with  but  little 
lost.  All  such  improvements,  they  told  him  they  would 
kaive,  on  the  score  of  economy.  "  There  is  one  altera- 
lon,  at  least,"  resumed  his  lordship,  "pointed  out  by 
four  ministers,  which  you  cannot  but  admit  the  cxpedi- 
[ncy  of  making.  The  small  gallery  is  erected  so  near 
le  roof,  that  no  full-grown  person  can  stand  upright  in 
A  small  expense  would  remedy  the  evil."  Upon 
vhich  they  answered,  "  Our  forefathers  went  to  Heaven 
rom  tliis  gallery,  and  why  cannot  we  ?"  "  My  good 
beople,"  said  his  lordship,  "an  incommodious  temple  is 
|ot  essential  to  your  going  to  Heaven.  I  came  to  re 
bmmend  improvements,  not  for  my  own  sake,  but 
Fours."  And  afterwards,  addressing  himself  to  one  of 
[is  attendants,  he  said,  "  I  perceive,  that  any  thing  which 
^cprivos  them  of  money,  is  as  keenly  felt,  as  the  draw- 


I    ii 


1  , 


J. 


60 


UNITED    STATES. 


•     \ 


ing  a  drop  of  their  heart's  blood."    "  Our  forefathers," 
say  the  older  inhabitants  of  New- York,  "  gained  theiJ 
independence,  and  we  abundance  of  dollars,  withoui 
extensive  learning ;  and  why,  therefore,  should  our  son| 
adopt  refined  innovations  ?" 

Admission  into  colleges  and  churches  in  Amcrid 
being  so  uncertain  to  an  Englishman,  more  especially  tl 
one  whose  principles  of  conduct  are  settled  and  inflexil 
ble,  I  now  gave  up  my  purpose  of  locating  in  the  Statr  J 
Whilst  in  a  wavering  and  doubtful  temper,  I  walked  oJ 
one  day  and  visited  the  consul.  "  Captain  L.,  of  th| 
Royal  Navy,  and  his  sister,"  said  the  consul,  "havj 
arrived  from  Canada.  I  would  recommend  you  to  ca 
at  their  lodgings,  and  that  immediately.  They  ar* 
about  to  return  to  England,  but  an  interview  will  afForc] 
pleasure  to  both,  since  you  are  already  acquainted." 

The  consul  gave  me  the  address  of  their  lodgind 
and  I  straightway  called  on  them.  After  mutual 
quiries  respecting  each  others  experiences  in  the  ]Ve\J 
World,  and  reciprocated  congratulations  at  having  surj 
vived  the  hardships  and  rigours  of  the  winter,  I  c\\ 
pressed  the  pleasure  it  would  give  me  to  have  theii 
company  some  evening  at  tea  in  our  apartments.  TheJ 
readily  acquiesced.  The  evening  was  appointed,  anj 
I  returned  to  my  family  to  relate  the  news. 

We  were  oveijoyed  at  having  an  opportunity  of  hear] 
ing,  from  persons  so  well  able  to  inform  us,  what  is  th| 
state  of  the  country  through  which  they  had  passed! 
the  accommodations  on  the  road ;  and  the  advantage! 
or  disadvantages  in  the  British  provinces,  to  personl 
circumstanced  like  us.  We  soon  tbund,  from  their  des] 
criptions,  that  their  views  of  America  coincided  witi 
ours ;  and  that  a  journey  through  the  States  had  prol 
duced  no  other  result,  than  to  bind  them  to  their  nativJ 
land  by  stronger  feelings  of  affection.  They  adviseJ 
me,  however,  to  visit  Boston  before  my  return  to  Engl 
land ;  and  promised  to  convey  to  some  of  our  friends  ouf| 
intentions  of  returning,  on  their  arrival  in  London. 

I  had,  whilst  in  England,  procured  letters  to  twl 
literary  gentlemen  of  Boston ;  the  one  a  professor  ill 


J017HNET  TO   BOSTON. 


61 


'ambridge  University,  the  other  an  author,  well  known 
that  city.  To  these  I  trusted  for  further  introduc- 
jions,  and  admission  to  all  places  there,  which  are  con- 
iidered  as  worthy  the  attention  of  a  stranger.  A  pas- 
sage in  a  steamboat  to  Providence  was  secured  fr 
[lie,  which  was  the  commencement  of  my  travels  in 
America. 


1!^ 


•  1. 


CHAPTER  V. 


journey  to  Boston — Conversation  with  a  man  of  Letters  there- 
Visit  to  the  State-House — To  the  University  of  Catnbridg-c — To 
the  Dock  Yard — Si)ecimcns  of  American  Learning — fioston 
Evening  Party — Prejudices  in  America  against  t;ie  English 
Aristocracy,  and  general  unfairness  of  Opinions  there  concerning 


England. 


We  set  out  from  New- York  at  four  in  the  afternoon 
kf  the  last  day  of  March,  conseciucntly  night  soon  pre- 
sented our  observation  of  the  country  through  which 
le  had  to  pass. 

Travellers  have  generally  stated,  that  the  duration  of 
wiliyht  in  America  is  much  shorter  than  with  us.  That 
bart  of  our  trip,  in  which  we  were  favoured  with  day- 
Ight,  was  pleasant.  We  had  the  city  of  New- York, 
Is  steeples  and  its  prisons,  visible  on  one  side,  and  the 
[cj<;hts  of  Brooklyn  studded  with  mansions,  the  navy 
Jid  dock-yards,  and  a  long  extent  of  fine  cleanMl  farms, 
k)sscss(!d  f(jr  the  most  part  by  Dutchmen,  on  the  other. 

ho  air  was  still  too  cold  to  be  considered  agreeable; 
[nd  the  season  too  early  to  present  nature  advaiita- 

3ously  to  our  view. 

That  part  of  the  landscape,  however,  which  the  fol- 

jwing  morning  disclosed  to  us  was  very  beautiful.     In 

be  place  the  country  seemed  to  ascend  gradually  from 

p  margin  of  the  water,  by  a  gentle  slope,  till  it  at- 

lined  a  considerable  elevation  ;  and  to  mingle  at   last 


\\ 


ii' 


>'    1 


:1' 


I  i 


I  I 


I 


Hi 


j    I 


62 


UNITED    STATES. 


>    i 
I 


I         1 
I 


with  the  circumambient  sky.  In  another  place,  the  pr 
pect  was  arrested  by  steep  aclivities,  covered  on 
side?  and  summits  with  trees  of  stinted  growth.  Then 
were  scattered  up  and  down,  in  various  places,  and  i 
a  great  variety  of  shapes,  farm-houses,  or  diminiitivi 
villages,  painted  white.  These  are  generally  fian(j 
houses,  built  of  wood.  We  reached  Providence, 
place  of  debarcation,  a  little  before  nine  ti  ;"\e  morninjl 
and  travelled  over  land  in  coaches  the  reiiiamder  of  d 
journey,  about  forty  miles. 

The  face  of  the  countrv  between  Providence  am 
Boston  is  rocky  and  broken  ;  in  some  places  undulatinri 
but  furnishes  nothing  in  itself  which  can  attract  miii 
attention,  or  in  wliich  the  fancy  can  dwell  with  pleasiirj 
I  had  been  advised  on  my  arrival  at  Boston  to  takci 
my  residence  at  the  Trcmont  House,  an  Hotel  whji 
possesses  as  high  a  reputation  as  any  in  the  States, 
soon  as  I  had  arranged  my  matters  there,  I  called  iipi 
one  of  the  persons  to  whom  I  had  letters  from  Phiglnrj 
I  found  th(;  gentlemen,  who  was  a  litterraire,  and 
author  well  known  in  Boston — reading  some  work 
Egyptian  Hyroglyphics,  of  which  he  spoke  favourabi 
but  as  this  was  a  subject  I  had  never  studied,  I  coi] 
'lot  enter  into  its  merits.     At  last,  after  many  desulto 
observations  (m  numerous  tojHcs,  as  rapid  and  evan(j 
cent  as  mental  and  lingual  volidity  could  render  thcil 
we  alighted  on  a  subj(x;t  of  mutual  interest,  frequcnlj 
discussed  by  persons  I  met  with  at  New-York.      I  h 
always  observed,  tliat  native  Americans  do  not  enter 
such  debates  with  half  the  warmth  or  bitterness,  as  Y\ 
ropean  refugees.     The  Americans  apjic^ar  to  employ  g 
pendant  strangers  on  the  outworks  of  their  republic, 
sound  the  politicnl  sentiments  and  })rinci]iles  ot"  eveij 
approaching  emigrant,  and  to  convey  to  tlie  democral 
sensorium  a  timely  and  accurate  im])ression,  before  tliJ 
welcome  him  into  the  capital  of  their  patronage  m 
support. 

"  Captain  Hall,"  said  he,  "  was  the  base  tool  of  a  flas] 
tious  and  corrupted  aristocracy,  and  was  hired  to  corr 
over  to  this  country,  and  to  insinuate  himself  into  tli 


V  4  ■  i 


CONVERSATION  WITH  A  MAN  OF  LETTERS. 


63 


Duses  of  the  people,  for  the  purpose  of  spying  out  all 
keir  failings,  and  holding  them  up  to  ridicule."  "  If 
Ui  think,"  answered  I,  "  that  he  held  up  all  their  fail- 
bs,  or  all  their  foibles,  to  public  observation,  you  do 
)t  yet  know  the  most  obvious  points  in  the  American 
jiaracter.  There  are  am})le  materials  yet  unnoticed, 
[hicb  future  travellers  will  describe.  As  to  his  being 
int  over  in  the  manner  you  imagine,  no  English  gen- 
sman  would  credit  it." 

"The  English,"  resumed  he,  "ere  the  rudest  and 
lost  ungrateful  people  in  the  world.  They  are  received 
[ith  open  arm  by  the  Americans,  and  repay  their  kind- 
|ss  by  detraction  and  inso](Mice.  I  witnessed  the  great 
[)s|)ilality  exer''isod  towards  Captain  Hall,  in  this  city, 
|i(l  iiave  seen  in  his  l)0()k  the  manner  in  which  he  has 
|turned  it.  Mrs.  Hall  treated  several  American  ladies 
[ith  extreme  ]'ud(?n(!ss  ;  and  turm^d  from  them  with 
jnteinpt,  even  in  the  midst  of  their  discourse."  "Of 
|e  manner  in  which  Captain  Hall  and  his  lady  behaved, 

lilo  in  this  country,  tlie  Englisli,"  answered  I,  "know 
yhiiig  except  what  is  conveyed  through  channels,  pol- 
Ited  by  illiberality,  prejudice,  and  wounded  sensi- 
lity.  You  must  acknovvkulgc,  that  their  detractors 
|ivo  drawn  the  picture.  But  Captain  Hail,  has  in  his 
ivels,  transmitted  his  grateful  remembrances,  in  char- 
^ters  sullicii^ntly  legible,  and  too  plain  to  be  mistaken." 

•*  Captain  Hall,"  he  again  ol)served,  "  has  related  ma- 

thiiigs  entirely  false.  What  could  he  know  respect- 
In:  the  laws  and  customs  of  a  country,  in  w^hich  he 
lade  but  a  cursory  sojourn,  and  through  wliicli  he  pas- 
id  with  too  much  rapidity  to  allow  of  his  obtaining  ac- 
irate  information.  His  travels  contain  partial  and  in- 
juTcct  and  garbled  descriptions,  to  villify  a  nation 
[liich  never  injured  him,  and  to  mislead  or  prejudice 
Is  countrym(  n."  To  this  I  re})lied,  "  several  Ameri- 
uis  have  admitted  the  correctness  of  that  traveller's 
|)servations,  and  content  themselves  with  attacking  his 
Igratitude.     Even  those,"  I  added,  "who  are  the  most 

i^eterate  against   him,   admit  that  his  writings  have 
)ne  good  in  America.     A  native  of  this  country,  who 


I! 


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I       ! 


64 


UNITED  STATES. 


I     ■ 
1 


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appeared  a  person  of  considerable  intelligence,  compared 
Cfaptain  Hall's  strictures  on  America,  to  those  of  Doo 
tor  Johnson  on  Scotland ; — severe  yet  salutary.  A 
well  informed  gentleman,  from  the  highest  circles  ii 
England,  whose  whole  lite  has  been  little  less  than  a 
succession  of  travels,  is  not  in  much  danger  of  mista- 
king American  manners  and  laws." 

In  the  usual  style  of  republicans,  this  gentlemen  here- 
upon quitted  the  censure  of  Captain  Hall,  in  order  tu 
abuse  the  English  nobility.  "All  aristocracies,"  he 
exclaimed,  "  are  hateful  and  oppressive  ;  that  of  Eng- 
land particularly  so — they  are  rapacious  and  tyrannical, 
They  devour  all  the  good  things  of  the  nation.  Tiicv 
neglect  all  learning,  neither  acquiring  it  themselves,  nor 
rewarding  it  in  others.  They  till,  both  at  home  aDc] 
abroad,  every  lucrative  post  in  all  civil  and  mihtaryem 
ploymonts,  at  the  bar,  and  in  the  church.  They  usurp  aiidj 
ti'ample  on  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  inferi(jr  claj- 
ses.  They  are  intoxicated  with  haughtiness  and  pridel' 
He  had  passed,  he  said,  some  time  in  London,  on  liii 
passage  from  German}'  to  America  ;  for  he  was  a  Gcr 
man  ;  and  had  witnessed  the  mal-administrations  of  thfj 
liigher  orders  there,  and  the  slavery  and  degredationd 
the  lower.  "  The  professions"  he  went  on  "  are  deprej| 
scd  for  want  of  encouragement,  and  literature  and  sri 
eiice  are  humbl^xl  in  the  dust.  In  America,  anv  nativa 
mav  become  President  ;  and  multitudes  miuht  be  men- 
tioned,  who  have  risen  to  be  mcmljcrs  of  the  nationaij 
legislation  from  the  humblest  parentage  and  birth,  li 
England,  it  is  impossible  for  talents  to  be  rewarded, 
to  meet  with  encouragement." 

"  To  all  this,"  I  re])lied,  "  that  had  I  seen  him  on  m; 
first  arrival  in  tlie  States,  I  should  have  cordially  agree 
in  his  views  and  observations.  I  had  harboured,  wl 
in  England,  bitter  and  aggravated  sentiments  against  lli 
aristocracy  ;  and  had  believed,  that  the  country  woiili 
be  better  without  that  privileged  body.  This  opinion 
might  always  have  indulged,  had  I  always  lived  in  En» 
land  ;  but  America  is  an  infallible  corrector  of  suci 
erroneous  judgment,  in  every  man  of  intelligence  aii( 


CONVKFSVTIO\    WITH   A    MAN   OF    LETTERS. 


65 


I  capable  of  observation.      I  have  never  met  with  any 

iperson  from  Great  Britain  worthy  to  be  called  resi:)ecta- 
ble,  wh(>se  opinions,  however  a  radieal  before,  did  not 

|bec<)ijie  completely  altered.    You  cannot,  when  in  Eng- 
land,"' I  added,  "  have  obtained  satisihctory  information 

|on  tliese  points  ;  otlu;rvvise  your  niind  must  be  singu- 
larly formed.  A  third  rate  talent  in  protessions  there,  is 
X'rtaiiily  e(|aal  to  the  hii^host  in  tlic  States.  I  am  irreatly 
^nistukcn,  if  any  lirst  rate  protessional  man  exists  in 
ill  America.  There  are  certainly  men  of  eminence  ; 
thev  are  eminent  onlv  amon^^  their  own  country- 
ben,  and  would  not  obtain  a  hi^h  rank  in  England.  And 
ilthou,i,di  it  is  true,  that  many  lucrative  and  im])ortant 
situations  wvo.  lud.l  by  noblemen,  yet  all  such  places  are 
,i)t  exclusively  so.  Eu'^Hand  can  enumerate  more  })er- 
^ons  raised  from  a  low  to  a  hi<^h  station  than  anv  other 
pijuntry.  hi  short,  there  is  hardly  any  village  in  Eng- 
land, which  d(jes  not  possess  residents  of  greater  learn- 
ing, and  i)rol"essional  talent,  than  is  to  be  found  in  almost 
iny  large  town  in  the  United  States.  Besides,  that 
Ivhich  is  a  low  reward  for  literature  in  England,  is  a 
ligh  reward  in  America.  No  man  there,  who  posses- 
ses more  than  ordinarv  learninfir,  can  rt;main  long  unno- 
[iced.  His  reward  often  depends  upon  himself.  The 
jiobility  are  bountiful  rowarders  of  merit,  when  it  makes 
Itself  conspicuous." 

I  left  this  German  author  rather  abruptly,  some  of- 
cnce  being  apparent,  from  the  difference  of  our  views 
ind  the  tendency  <jf  our  arguments  ;  and  went  to  de- 
|ver  another  letter  of  introduction  I  had  to  one  of  the 
Professors  of  C'ambridg  ^  University.  At  his  h(juse  I 
^as  intr(xlucod  to  Mr.  Bowditch,  jirofessor,  but  not 
sacher  of  mathematics;  the  best  mathematican  in  the 
plates,  and  President  of  an  Insurance  Othce,  ajiparently 
letvvecn  sixty  and  seventy  yeai's  oi"  age  ;  this  gentle- 
lian's  look  was  venerable,  and  his  countenance  expres- 
ive  and  intelligent.  At  the  prolessor's,  1  was  introduced 
llso  to  Mr.  Pickering,  a  lawyer  of  great  eminence  in 
Huston.  This  party  1  found  agreeable,  and  I  was  not 
gain  troubled  with  unseasonable  remarks  against  ex- 


(! 


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66 


UNITED   STATES. 


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isting  aristocracies.  Americans  do  not  themselves  re- 
vile kings  and  nobles,  so  much  as  foreigners  do  ;  but 
they  listen  to  depreciating  statements  with  visible  plea- 
sure. 

Mr.  Pickering  accompanied  me  homo,  and  invited  me 
to  call  at  his  office  the  i>ext  morninfj:  early,  when  he  or 
his  son  would  accompany  me  to  ditieront  places  which 
he  imamned  I  would  choose  to  visit.  Accordindv  tlicv 
conducted  me  to  the  State-House,  Court-House,  public 
reading  rooms,  which  form  also  a  kind  of  musemn,  tlie 
dock-yard,  market-house,  university,  &c. 

On  arriving  at  the  State-House,  I  foimd  it  to  be  a  no- 
ble building,  and  was  particularly  struck  with  its  admi- 
rable situation.  It  stands  on  a  lofty  eminence,  which 
commands' a  com})lete  view  of  the  town,  and  is  ascended 
from  the  park  side  by  a  fine  flight  of  steps.  I  mounted 
to  the  cu}x>la,  which  is  almost  as  high  from  the  water 
as  the  top  of  the  Monument  in  London,  and  affords  a 
prospect  of  vast  extent  on  all  sides.  A  great  number 
of  towns  and  villages  were  observable,  scattered  over 
tlie  surrounding  country  ;  some  of  them  at  the  distance 
of  twelve  or  fourteen  miles.  The  numerous  bridges 
over  tlie  estuary  appeared  beautiful,  and  gave  variety  | 
to  the  landscape. 

The  University  is  not  within  the  city  of  Boston,  but  I 
stands  three  or  four  miles  without,  and  on  the  other  side 
of  the  river.     The  buildings  do  not  impress  a  stranger 
with  ideas   of  magnificence.      They  are  plain  brick 
buildings,  some  of  tlK3m  very  old,  and  destitute  of  orna- 
mental architecture.    We  were  so  late  in  going  that  the  I 
students,  generally  more  boys,  were  coming  out  from 
eveniniT  iH'avers.      The  onlv  thins:  which  Mr.  P's  sod  I 
deemed  worthy  of  notice  at  Cambridge,  as  the  Univer- 
sity is  called,  was  the  library,  which  occupies  two  laiiiel 
rooms,  and  contains  between  thirty  and  forty  thousand 
volumes.      There  are  not  manv  works  in  it,  which  can 
be  regarded  as  valual)lo.     Most  of  them  had  been  pur- 
chased at  second  hand  book-stalls  in  London.     A  small 
Greek  M.S.  was  shewn  to  mo,  most  exquisitely  written;! 
also  a  beautiful  Persian  M.S.   Tliese  were  both  secured [ 


DOCK  TAB9. 


67 


under  two  locks  and  keys,  on  account  of  their  rarity.  I 
had  often  seen  splendid  eastern  M.S.  on  the  shelves  of 
[London  booksellers,  without  any  such  security;  and 
could  not  help  smiling  at  this  characteristic  protection. 

The  market-house  is  a  long  line  of  buildings  of  hewn 
stone.  There  is  a  foot-path  d'/vvn  the  centre.  On  each 
side  are  stalls  for  venders,  and  doors  at  convenient  distan- 
ces. It  did  not  appear  to  me  that  there  was  any  ])lace 
|set  apart  for  butchers  or  fish  stalls,  kS:c.,  but  that  any  per- 
isonof  any  calling  might  pitch  his  stand  where  he  ])leased. 
The  whole  market  was  untler  cover,  and  had  store-rooms 
above. 

My  friend  next  accompanied  me  to  the  house  of  the 

|X/ommo(lore,  who,  with  great  complaisance  and  condo- 

scension,  carried  us  throui^h  the  dock-vard,  and  showed 

'  CD  *  ' 

'US  everv  thing  it  contained.    The  onl  v  object  which  tilled 
|me  with  admiration,  was  the  dry  dock  just  finished,  into 
livhich  no  vessel  had  yet  been  admitted     This  excava- 
|tion,  which  the  Commodore  intormed  us  was  much  long^ 
|er  and  broader  than  any  at  Portsmouth,  was  lined  with 
assive  l)locks  of  granite,  larger  than  1  had  ever  seen 
mployed  before  in  building.     There  is  a  steam-engine 
rectcd  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  dock  for  pumj^ing  out 
he  water,  which,  when  completed,  will  possess  sutficient 
ower  to  empty  it  in  a  short  time.     Should  greater  celer- 
ity bo  wanted,  the  diameter  of  the  well  is  sufficient  to 
iadmit  a  greater  number  of  pumps.     There  was  nothing 
]which  the  (commodore  left  unnoticed  ;  and  my  obligation 
%o  him,  and  to  various  other  gentlemen  in  America,  ro- 
L<|uire  me  to  acknowledge  that  1  believe  there  is  no  troi> 
le  they  would  think  too  great,  in  ortler  to  oblige  and  gra- 
itV  a  stranger. 

In  Boston,  there  is  nothing  to  be  seen  very  interesting 
oonc  who  has  lived  in  London.     '^J'heir  Libraries,  Mu- 
seum, Court-house,  Town-hall,  and  other  public  buihhngs, 
)resent  little  worth  noticing.     There  is  some  tradition 
I'especting  the  Court-house,  which  may  render  it  inter- 
sting.     It  was  in  front  of  that  ])lace,  where  the  British 
forces  were  drawn  up,  during  the  time  that  riots  existed 
In  Boston,  respecting  the  duties  on  tea.    It  was  there  Uiat 


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the  soldiers  were  brutally  insulted  and  stoned  by  the 
American  rabble,  previous  to  any  bloodshed  in  revolu- 
tionary  battles.  It  was  there  that  the  first  shot  was  fired 
by  the  Kns^Mish,  and  the  first  American  killed.  The  spot 
is  still  pointed  out  where  the  first  man  fell. 

The  gentleman  before-named,  whose  kindness  I  thus 
experienced,  expressed  a  wish  to  learn  the  Persian  and 
Nagarc(;  characlers,  and  the  euphonic  changes  of  San- 
scrit letters  ;  and  for  this  purjwse,  spent  the  greater  part 
of  two  ev(^ninirs  at  my  lodgings.  His  ready  acquisition 
of  them  was  truly  w<jnderful ;  and  I  had  great  j)leasure 
in  witnessing  it.  He  also  introduced  me,  with  many 
commendations,  to  a  C(  »ngregational  minister.  Dr.  J., 
whom  he  represented  as  tlie  best  orientalist  in  Bostoa 
That  genticrnan,  after  expressing  the  satisfaction  it  aflford- 
ed  him  to  meet  with  a  })erson,  with  whom  he  could  con- 
verse  on  Oriental  learning,  withdrew  into  his  stud}',  and  I 
returned  with  an  armful  of  Persian,  Sanscrit,  Arabic,  | 
and  Hind(jostanee  books. 

No  sooner  had  I  examined  these  works,  than  I  began 
to  think  that  I  had  already  made  a  premature  estimate 
of  Ameri(;;m  literature,  and  that  what  I  had  Irequently 
heard  in  New- York  must  be  true.  When  on  mv  first 
arrival  in  the  States,  I  mentioned  to  several  scholars  my 
surprise  at  the  extremely  low  state  of  learning  and  the  | 
professions,  I  was  always  answered  thus :  "  New- York 
is  not  a  literary,  but  a  commercial  city.  If  you  are  de- 
sirous of  seeing  the  lions  of  American  literature,  go  to 
Boston."  As  1  had  long  been  engaged  in  such  studies,  | 
Jind  had  lately  arrived  from  London,  the  hot-bed  of  Ian- 
guages,  arts,  and  sciences,  I  thought  I  could  have  little  to 
apprehend  from  any  Orientalist  in  the  United  States :  1 
therefore  summoned  up  a  fitting  self  confidence,  expect- 
ing, with  my  new  friend,  a  trial  of  skill.  "  Do  you.  Dr. 
J.,  understand  these  authors  ?"  I  asked.  "  I  have  some 
knowledge  of  them,"  he  replied,  "but  not  very  extensive." 
He  then  took  a  German  selection  of  Sanscrit  passages 
from  various  authors,  the  first  of  which  was  the  opening 
passage  of  the  Laws  of  Menu.  This  he  requested  me 
to  rep-d,  which  I  did,  and  when  I  paused,  and  perceived 


J   '      ^1 


SPECIMEN  OP  AMSBICAN  LEARXIXO. 


09 


■  that  he  made  no  inquiries,  nor  added  any  obscn'ations, 
1 1  began  to  suspect  that  he  did  not  understand  tiie  Ian- 
Uiage.  I  theiv^fore  re(juested  him  to  tell  me,  if  he  knew 
[tlie  letters.  His  answer  amused  me;  "I  have  written 
Itliem  over  several  times;  hut  the  truth  is  that  they  are 
I  so  confoundedly  difficult,  that  I  could  never  remember 
[thcin.  I  cannot  therefore  read  any  of  the  W(jrds,  nor 
[have  I  ever  before  heard  them  read  ;  but  have  seen  some 
I  accounts  respecting  the  language,  that  it  is  a  very  en- 
I  gaging  study." 

To  this  latter  statement  I  of  course  agreed ;  adding, 
fthatthe  Sanscrit  is  certainly  the  most  jx'riect  and  regu- 

lar  in  its  grammatical  t"orms,  of  all  languages  w  ith  which 
J I  ain  acquainted  ;  and  its  eu))honic  translbrmations  the 
"most  accur;  f 'Iv  svstematic.  Moreover,  it  is  now  thought 
[by  the  best  judges  to  be  the  origin  of  the  Greek  language. 
iMaiiy  roots,  and  pn'])ositions,  and  the  numbers  and 
h'oiccs,  are  nearly  the  same  in  both.  Also  every  eupho- 
hiic  change  in  Greek,  and  in  every  other  language,  can 
|lje  referred  to  the  principles  of  Sanscrit.  Alter  having 
Iheld  a  short  conversation  with  Dr.  J.,  and  discovered  that 
fhis  Oriental  knowledge  might  be  compressed  into  a  nut- 
fghell,  he  informed  mr.,  that  some  duties  he  had  to  perform 
Ircquired  his  absence,  and  requested  I  would  call  agahi 
loiithe  following  day.  I  promised  to  repeat  my  visit  at 
Ithe  time  he  mentioned,  and  we  took  forthwith  our  depart- 
lure. 

As  we  were  returning  from  this  characteristic  farce, 
|Mr.  P.  informed  me,  that  he  had  once  resided  in  London, 
ias  secretarv  to  the  American  ^Minister,  and  had  seen  the 
pdignity  and  greatness  which  lean  ing  in  Enghuid  fre- 
Iquently  obtains.  "  It  is  the  jirospect  of  rewards,"  added 
ilic,  "which  stimulates   and  encourages.     In   America 

Jiere  is  no  inducement  for  enthusiastic  perseverance  hi 
literature.    Indeed  we  have  no  literature  in  this  country." 
PTo  this  I  could  not  help  adding,  '•  A  well  educated  Eng*- 
lishnian  will  always  make  the  same  discovery,  after  the 

residence  of  a  day.     It  is  impossible  to  be  concealed  or 

"sguised." 
On  the  day  following,  I  paid  a  second  visit  to  Dr.  J., 


I 


n\ 


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I '  ■  * 


5 


II 


,/iii 


70 


UNITED  STATES. 


and  read  over  to  him  some  Persian  and  Hindoostanee.  I 
then  requested  him  to  allow  me  the  pleasure  of  hearing 
his  pronunciation  of  some  Persian  sentences ;  but  he  beg. 
ged  I  would  dispense  with  his  performance  of  it ;  and 
men  added,  "  This  is  the  second  time  in  my  life,  in  which 
I  have  heard  a  Persian  word  pronounced.  A  youn^ 
gentleman,  who  had  been  in  India,  once  before  indulged 
me  in  a  similar  manner  with  yourself;  but  it  is  several 
years  ago,  and  I  have  no  recollection  of  the  sounds." 
The  books  he  possessed  must  be  considered  as  rarities  in 
America,  and  as  inexplicable  puzzles  even  to  himself. 
They  must  be,  however,  amusing  companions  to  an  Ame- 
rican Orientalist.  Had  I  not  been  well  able  to  penetnite 
into  the  den  of  the  Bostonian  lions,  and  to  estimate  lis 
profundity  and  extent,  1  might  have  quitted  that  celebra- 
ted place,  with  the  erroneous  im})ression,  that  it  contains 
at  least  one  extraordinary  linguist.  But  I  must  conless.  I 
that  it  a))jicared  not  a  little  amusing,  tliat  every  thing  of| 
literature  in  the  States,  with  which  one  grap})les,  dwin- 
dles into  mere  pretence,  and  vanishes  into  air.  I  observ- 1 
ed,  when  in  the  Cambridge  libraiy,  a  copy  of  Dr.  Wil- 
kin's Sanscrit  Grammar,  and  found  its  pages  free  from  I 
the  finger  marks  oi"  transatlantic  students.  Mav  it  Ions 
continue  so,  and  be  a  true  index  of  universitv  intelligence, 
where  it  has  been  so  carefully  preserved.  Whilst  lite- 
rary ho)iours  and  emoluments  are  so  sparingly  dis})ensed.  | 
there  is  no  tear  of  its  derangement  or  disfigurement. 

Mr.  P.  conducted  me  one  evening  to  a  party  of  gen- 
tlemen, assembled  at  the  house  of  a  physician,  in  honour  I 
of  a  distinguished  lawyer,  having  been  appointed  a  judge 
of  the  Su])reme  Court  at  Washington.     The  company 
was  large  and  promiscuous.     There  were  present,  1  wiis  | 
informed,  lawyers,  physicians^rofessors, merchants,  ine- 
clianics,  students,  &c.  &c.     The  rooms  were  crowded.  I 
but  not  uncomfortably  so.  Refreshments  ot  various  kinds 
were  served  round,  among  which  were  stewed  oysters, 
of  which  I  partook,  in  memory  of  a  parting  supper  wliicli 
I  once  ate  in  cornpany  with  my  much  revered  preceptor, 
the  Rev.  James  Tate  of  Richmond ;  whose  name  I  found  | 
to  be  held  in  great  esteem  among  scholars  in  Americji 


BVSNINO  PARTY. 


n 


On  the  evening  previous  to  my  leaving  Boston,  Mr.  P. 
invited  me  to  take  tea  at  his  house.  There  were  four 
literaiy  gentlemen  invited  to  meet  me,  but  they  were  not 
all  present  at  tea.  Some  of  them  came  later  in  the  even- 
ing. Dr.  J.  and  the  German  gentleman  I  have  already 
mentioned  were  two ;  and  besides  those,  a  student,  and 
a  voLing  gentleman  who  had  spent  some  time  in  the  Le- 
vant— a  Mr.  H.  The  student,  a  vouth  of  sixteen,  was 
introduced  as  a  prodigy  of  learning,  and  an  Arabic  scho- 
lar. Mr.  P's  son  had  been  employed  two  years  in  tui- 
tion, between  his  leaving  the  university,  and  engaging  in 
the  profession  of  the  law.  This  youth  had  been  his  pu- 
pil, and  w^as  reported  to  be  an  extraordinary  s])ccimen 
of  genius.  Sir  William  Jones'  Persian  Grammar  was 
produced,  and  I  desired  him  to  pronounce  a  few  of  the 
;liist  words  of  the  story  of  the  Bulbul.  He  commenced 
^spelling  the  first  word,  as  a  child  docs  his  a-b  ab's.  "  Can 
•vuu  not  read  the  words,"  inquired  I,  "without  mcntion- 
im  the  letters."  To  which  he  answered,  that  ho  knew 
innst  of  the  letters,  but  could  not  pronounce  the  words. 
1  inquired  how  long  he  had  applied  himself  to  Arabic,  to 
which  he  answered,  two  years.  I  tlien  ex])lain(Ml  to  him 
the  discipline  of  our  schools  in  England,  whicfi  is  gene- 
ally  so  strict  as  to  preclude  the  possibility  of  a  student's 
time  being  so  long  occupied,  in  acrjuiring  the  characters 
!(if  a  language.  "You  must  many  times,"  continued  I, 
•have  endured  the  infliction  of  chastisement,  for  such 
mpnjcedented  neglect  and  idleness,  iiad  you  been  edu- 
:ate(l  in  England."  I  perceived  that  dUdpline  and  chas- 
Isi  iitrnt  sounded  harsh  upon  his  ears,  and  he  retired  from 
e  ])arty  at  an  early  hour. 

The  German  .author,  who  had  betorc  vented  his  indig- 
lation  airainst  the  aristocracv  of"  En'j-land,  now  resumed 
le  same  subj(*ct ;  and  repeated  many  accusations  entire- 
y  iiiilounded,  and  which  nothing  but  prejudice  could  die- 
ate.  This  he  did,  to  demonstrate  his  attachment  to  a 
opublican  form  of  government,  and  to  expose  my  poli- 
ical  views.  He  dwelt  particularly  on  the  pride  and 
mmorality  of  our  nobles.  1  ventured  to  dispute  his 
Itutcments  and  inferences,  thus  unnecessarily  obtruded 


I , 


\ , 


•!! 


»  1 


* 


,1  !li 


1   ! 

t"       I 

I    I 


•:'  i 


\   I 


«i 


UNITED  STATES. 


and  reiterated ;  and  witnessed  also  his  hasty  and  untlrne'l 
ly  exit.     As  this  second  attack  was  unpardonable,  beinj 
unprovoked,  I  afterwards  addressed  a  note  to  Mr.  P..  in  I 
which  were  the  followinfjr  sentences :  "  Your  friend,  Dr. 
L.  appears  to  have  imbibed  either  in  England  or  plse-l 
where,  notions  of  our  aristocracy,  which  do  himself  nJ 
credit,  and  them  no  harm.     They  are  not  likely  to  be  ii>| 
jurcd  by  illiberal  observations  made  in  a  sweeping  iTiaii-[ 
ner  against  their  order,  by  persons  who  could  never  havei 
an  opportunity  of  knowing  their  real  character.     As  tr| 
their  being  the  proudest  aristocracy  in  Europe,  it  is  true; 
and  it  is  equally  true  that  the  very  shop-keepers  of  re-l 
spectability  in  London  are,  in  talents,  education,  ainj 
wealth,  higher,  generally  speaking,  than  the  aristocracij 
of  any  otiier  nation.     England,  as  a  nation,  is  ainni.i 
nations,  wliat  her  aristocracy  is,  among  the  aristocraci'^ 
of  the  earth  ;  she  stands  supreme,  and  will  do  so  for  ^e^l 
nerations  yet  unborn,  unless  she  persist  in  her  present  irJ 
fatuation.  Ibrgetful  of  her  high  state,  and  of  the  Bcir;.| 
who  conferred  it. 

"  I  perceive,  that  a  foreigner,  to  gain  the  favour  of  ti)f| 
American  public,  must  vilify  bis  own  nation,  and  Cfrf 
demn  all  hereditary  rule.  The  native  Americans 
wrapped  up  in  self-complacency,  and  inhale  the  gratciJ 
fragrance  of  skivish  adulation.  The  swindler,  the  prf 
fligate,the  idle?,  the  disaffected, — they  who  have  de))ri\  J 
others  of  their  property,  or  who  have  squandered  tliei 
(jwn,  iind  that  th(!  price  of  American  patronage  is  cli(':u| 
ly  paid :  they  Hatter  and  Ihlsify.  A  person  of  hiL4| 
princi}>les,  who  is  able  by  his  talents  and  industr}  il 
maintain  himself  in  Europe,  will  never  stoop  to  this  sir 
o^  basen(^ss." 

Dr.  Milnor,  of  New- York,  once  inft)rmed  me  of  tij 
gericrous  recejition  he  had  met  with,  wbile  in  Enghtii| 
from  soiiu!  of  the  nobility.  He  had  been  employed  (| 
matters  connected  with  religious  missionary  societici 
The  object  nearest  to  a  good  man's  heart,  is  the  accou 
plishment  of  his  duty ;  and  this  brouglit  him  into  intimatj 
communion  with  many  of  the  aristocracy.  He  foiin 
there  so  much  of  sound  and  genuine  piety,  and  of  triii| 


•i  ^Hi  r 


r 


RETURN   TO   NEW-YORK. 


73 


id  untime- 
iblc,  bcinj 
Mr.  P..  in 

friend,  Dr. 

id  or  else- 
limself  no' 
Iv  to  be  in- 
3 ping  man- 
never  havf 
;er.     As  to 
»,  it  is  true;] 
pers  of  i"e- 
sation,  aiu; 
aristocrar, 
1,  is  arnond 
ristocr:\ci'i 
o  so  for  ue-l 
r  present  irJ 
f  the  Bcir, 


Christian  feeling,  that  he  had  never  seen  rehgion  in  so 

I  beautiful  a  dress  before,  nor  more  pure  and  fervent.     He 

did  not  say  that  every  nobleman  is  such.     Yet  he  did 

not,  like  most  republicans,  and  illiberal  and  foolish  En- 

iL'lishmen,  condemn  all  aristocracies  as  proud,  immoral, 

[rapacious,  and  oppressive.     He  is  a  strong  republican ; 

I  yet  this  does  not  prevent  him  from  observing,  or  from 

|acknowledging,  the  existence  of  worth  and  virtue,  and 

itrue  religion,  in  persons  of  a  higher  station  and  a  rival 

':oimtry.     I  introduced  this,   merely  to  prove,  that  a 

irentleman,  of  true  magnanimity,  will  not  stoop  to  make 

imgenerous  statements  against  the  members  generally, 

"any  existing  order.     I  agree,  therefore,  in  the  judg- 

nent  of  Dr.  Strachan,  Archdeacon  of  York,   Upper 

panada,  who  had  been  introduced  to  this  German  author, 

^nd  wiio  described  him  to  mc  as  prejudiced  and  aarrow- 

linded. 


I! 


(  1 


"avour  of  tifl 
m,  and  ci'i>| 
Inericnns 

the  griitciiJ 
|ler,  the  m 

,ve  depvivtj 

idered  the;] 

ige  is  cheaJ 

1)11  of  hlLflni 

industry 

I)  to  this  sir 


CHAPTER  VI. 


Icturn  to  New- York 
Ispective  Incidents- 


Resolution  to  proceed  to  Canada — Retro- 
-Story  of  an  American  Merchant — Pro- 
fcs.^ionsin  the  States,  as  described  by  an  Englishman — American 
Superiority — Our  removal  to  Canada  predicted — Custom-JIouso 
Dues — Effect  of  Captain  Hall's  Travels — Visiting  on  New- 
Year's  Day — Washington's  Birth-day — Miscellaneous  Obser- 
Ivations. 

During  my  journey  from  Boston  back  to  New- York, 
lad  much  conversation  with  a  gentlemnn  of  Boston,  a 
|rsoii  of  considerable  wealth,  the  substance  of  which  I 
A\^\\i  worthy  of  noting. 

|Oii  learning  that  I  was  an  English  clergyman,  and  that 

object,  in  going  to  the  States,  was  to  settle,  he  ex- 

!ssod  his  opinion  to  be,  that  the  clergy  of  America  arc 

iter  provided  for  than  those  of  England  generally.     I 

niii(l(;d  this  gentleman  of  the  small  salaries  which  I 

been  informed  the  American  ministers  in  country 

o 


I 


t 


f 


\ 


f  i 


1 


74 


UNITED   STATES, 


1     I 


li  •! 


■I 


-  -f   f 


i    ^1   i 


places  usually  obtain.     He  replied,  that  I  was  tolerably 
correct ;  but  reminded  me,  on  his  part,  that  they  frequent- 
ly receive  presents  of  various  kinds,  and  they  are  noi 
required  to  keep  up  much  external  appearance  ;  as  also, 
that  an  American  clergyman's  wife,  in  country  ])laces. 
can  frequently  earn  something  by  knitting  and  spinninfr, 
A  careful  clergyman,  he  said,  may  often  save  as  muc}i| 
as  will  purchase  a  farm,  and  may  become  comparatively 
wealthy.     Moreover,  added  he,  our  clergy  are  all  their 
own  masters,  which  is  an  advantage  not  enjoyed  by  a  I 
great  majority  of  English  ministers.     "  In  short,  I  wil 
venture  to  assure  you,"  he  continued,  "  that  the  clem  I 
of  this  country  are  more  independent  and  comfortable, 
and  respected,  than  many  ministers  of  the  Established! 
Church  of  Great  Britain  and   Ireland.      The   higheil 
clergy,  and  the  professors  of  colleges,  are  of  more  conJ 
sideration  in  England  than  here ;  but  they  do  not  cofrj 
stitute  a  majority." 

I  had  heard  something  to  this  intent  once  before ;  ami 
on  expressing  my  surprise  how  a  coimtry  minister  couldl 
save  any  thing  out  of  his  income,  I  was  told,  that  m 
salary  and  })resents  he  received  were  all  intended  fo[ 
his  private  use,  and  the  use  of  his  family.  His  taxeil 
and  rates  were  trifling,  and  he  was  seldom  called  upctj 
for  charity. 

"The  income  of  professors,"  I  observed,  "in  Canil 
bridge  Univ^ersity,  does  not,  I  am  informed,  exceed  upca 
an  average,  more  than  three  hundred  pounds  a-ycir 
and  not  so  much,  if  the  professor  does  not  reside  witiJ 
the  walls.  I  imagine  that  a  professor  can  hardly  keel 
up  his  respectability  v/ith  so  scanty  an  allowance,] 
"  The  prolessors  of  our  colleges  and  universities," 
replied,  "  are  considered  amongst  tlie  most  resj)ectal)l(j 
class.  That  salary  is  a  great  sum  with  us."  1  replieil 
that  a  common  schoolmaster  in  England  often  gains ; 
greater  income,  and  probably  greater  respect.  "  I  do  not] 
said  he,  "  agree  with  you.  I  have  travelled  throu^ 
England  and  Ireland,  and  perceived  that  many  of  yon 
country  schoolmasters,  as  well  as  country  clcrgynicii| 


ill 


!' 


RESOLUTION    TO    PROCEED    TO    CANADA. 


75 


before;  ancl 
inister  coui 
)l(i,  that  M 

ntcnded  ton 
His  taxeij 

called  upci 


my  of  yoi 
clergyniei 


are  worse  circumstanced  than  ours.     Near  London  it  is 
different." 

"The  learned  languages" — I  went  on,  "are  very 
supcrlicially  understood  in  the  United  States."  To  this 
he  assented,  and  added  :  "the  classics  are  too  little  read 
in  America,  and  too  much  in  England.  Could  a  medium 
be  adopted,  and  the  Americans  gain  what  the  English 
would  loose,  it  might  be  better  for  both  nations."  There 
are  many  Americans,  thought  I,  who  would  rejoice  to 
witness  such  a  consumation. 

This  gentleman's  acuteness  and  liberality  of  sentiment, 
Ion  various  other  sulijects,  much  pleased  me.  He  had 
gravelled  over  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  was  evident- 
ly ac(|uainted  with  its  passing  events.  The  same  I  had 
johsorved  in  several  I  conversed  with  in  New- York  and 
iBostun.  Although  under  a  republican  government,  their 
nore  extended  intelligence  raised  them  above  the  narrow 
prpjiulices  of  their  less  informed  countrymen ;  and  justi- 
fied the  saying  in  common  circulation,  and  which  the 
rchdeacon  of  York,  in  Upper  Canada,  applied  to  the 
:lergy  and  influential  classes  of  America,  "  Gentlemen 
ire  the  same  all  the  world  over." 

On  my  return  to  New- York,  I  went  immediately  to 
[he  Consul,  and  acquainted  him  with  my  purpose  of  re- 
iurniiig  h)  England,  since  I  perceived  that  no  sufficient 
ipciiing  presented  itself  to  me  in  that  country,  and  I  felt 
10  disposition  to  tarry  longer.  He  replied,  "  You  have 
lominitted  a  great  error,  in  ever  coming  hither ;  but 
linco  you  have  come,  do  not  be  guilty  of  a  greater,  in 
mmodiately  returning.  Let  me  prevail  with  you  to 
avcl  a  little  more  in  America,  and  to  go  into  Upper 
anuda.  I  will  give  you  a  letter  of  introduction  to  my 
lOrd  Bishop  of  Quebec,  a  most  estimable  man,  who  is 
ly  this  time  in  York,  the  capital  of  the  Upper  Province. 
have  no  doubt  of  your  meeting  with  something  worthy 
if  your  acceptance.  You  will  also  find  living  there 
lore  reasonable  than  here."  I  complied  with  his  ad- 
ice,  accepting  the  letter  of  introduction,  and  forthwith 
et  about  preparing  to  leave  the  States,  and  journey  at 
ince  towards  Upper  Canada. 


i; 


(  ; 


•l! 


I  1 


'  ! 


V^ 


II 


//.'.'. 


76 


UNITED  STATES. 


\i 


* 


I       } 


i    ' 


Before  entering  upon  the  subject  of  my  further  travels, 
however,  I  think  it  right  to  return  almost  to  the  period 
of  my  first  outset,  to  give  sundry  details  on  various 
points,  with  which  my  interim  opportunities  furnislied 
me,  but  to  which  I  have  not  hitherto  alluded. 

I  have  said,  that  during  my  passage  from  England.  I 
obtained  considerable  enlightment  upon  various  points. 
in  the  manners  and  opinions  of  the  Americans ;  particu- 
larly from  one  native  of  the  Union,  who  happened  to  W 
passenger  along  with  me.  This  person  had  been  master 
of  a  small  trading-vessel,  which  lie  had  lost  by  shiii- 
wreck.  The  detail  he  gave  us,  one  day,  of  the  history 
of  a  friend,  brought  out  various  opinions  and  views,  for 
which  neither  myself,  nor  the  other  English  passengeiN 
were  prepared. 

The  person  this  American  spoke  of,  he  described  n? 
having  embarked  in  business,  without  being  possessed 
of  a  dollar ;  and  as  trading  for  a  time,  according  to  the 
custom  of  his  country,  upon  speculation  and  credit.    A I 
series  of  bills,  and  promissory  engagements,  entered  intf' 
with  acquaintances  similarly  circumstanced,  formed  the 
chief  means  of  these  commercial  speculations.     When 
\  expressed  surprize  at  this  sort  of  responsibility,  and] 
such  a  mode  of  conducting  business,  the  American  n:iade 
answer,  " Being  in  a  profession,  you  are  not  vouisoIl 
Sir,  much  exposed  to  the  difficulties  of  the  w^orld,  audi 
consequently  do  not  know  the  contrivances  which  others 
feel  it  necessary  to  adopt.     If  any  person  in  America 
should  refuse  to  do  a  favour  of  this  kind  I  speak  of,  for| 
his  friends,  he  would  find  similar  accommodation  with- 
held from  himself.     The  friend  of  this  gentleman  wasl 
thus  circumstanced,  and  soon  failed,  through  the  misf 
fortune  of  another.     During  the  period  of  his  conduct- 
ing business,  however,  he  kept  a  carrivige,  and  lived  up 
to  his  imagined  gains,  without  providing  the  contingen-l 
cies  of  an  evil  day.     When  all  went  v/rong,  his  eft'ectil 
were  disposed  of  for  the  benefit  of  his  credi.  x.;    andl 
he  was  obliged  to  exchange  a  comfortable  for  a  wretch- 
ed state.     As  he  had  married  during  his  prosperity,  and 
a  family  was  the  consequence,  his  greatest  exertiorsl 


were  reqi 
He  was  n 

class  of  S( 

obliged  to 

this  conditi 

having  ma( 

ed  his  prop 

u'ho  told  ui 

of  the  decc 

unnatural  i: 

cycry  princ 

eussioii  ensi 

warmth,  wl 

[had  any  nat 

I  niade  a  ] 

J'lnEnglrinc 

buse  of  his 

|Aiid  I  should 

I'^rtion  of  yoi 

ut.  even  Vi 

iiHied  ap})ro 

ive  any  natu 

'1  fi  faniilv  h 

:iiinity.     Tiu 

li'-^r  (-)nirht  to  r 

■obability,  t\ 

"iie  Aiiiericai 

''^";  nnd,  bra 

inner,  assertc 

i^ni  motives  c 

'iioohnasters, 

iginontcd  by 

^^'c-11  as  him* 

I  nicntioned  t 

id  received  fc 

t  uncommon 

icncc,  sudden 

"itioned,  and 

[ally  mean  to 

•"e  spirit  of 


STOKY   OF   A   MERCHANT. 


77 


r  travels, 
le  period 
1  various 
furnished 

England.  1 
,us  points. 
;  particii- 
?ned  to  ix 
;en  master 
t  by  shii*- 


were  requisite  to  obtain  even  the  necessaries  of  life. 
He  was  no  longer  regarded  as  belonging  to  the  same 
class  of  society,  but  felt  himself  degraded,   and  was 
obliijed  to  |)erform  the  most  menial  offices.     While  in 
this  condition,  his  brother,  more  successful  tlian  himself, 
having  made  a  fortune,  died  w^ithout  issue,  and  bcquath- 
ed  his  property  to  a  public  seminary."     The  American 
who  told  us  the  story,  strongly  condemned  the  conduct 
of  the  deceased  brother  of  his  friend,  calling  him  an 
unnatural  monster,  for  having  violated,  in  his  opinion, 
every  principle  of  duty  and  justice.     Hereupon,  a  dis- 
he  *histor\  R  cu>sion  ensued,  and  it  was  debated  with  considerable 
views,  fir B warmth,  whether  one  brother,  in  such  circumstances, 
)assen2CV>.Bliad  any  natural  claim  upon  the  other. 

I  made  a  remark,  which  kindled  a  burst  of  indignation. 

y  in  England,"  I  observed,  "  a  man  unfortunate,  from  no. 

jcause  of  his  own,  does  not  forfeit  his  place  in  s(3ciety. 

nd  I  should  imagine  there  was  some  cause  for  the  de- 

Ttion  of  your  friend  by  his  brother  and  acquaintances. 

ut.  even  su})posing  him  perfccdy  worthy  of  their  con- 

nuc'd  approbation,  he  could  not,  according  to  Paley, 

ivc  any  natural  claim  on  his  brother ;  collateral  branches 

if  a  family  having  no  jiecuniary  claims  from  consan- 

uinity.     Tlie  only  grounds  for  supposing  that  one  bro- 

ler  onirht  to  render  assistance  to  another,  rests  upon  the 

obability,  that  if  he  does  not,  no  other  person  will." 

he  American,  hereupon,  lost  all  government  of  him- 

If:  ;nid,  brandishing  his  knife,  for  we  were  then  at 

imer,  asserted  that  I  had  introduced  this  sentiment 

)ni  motives  of  priestcraft ;  and  that  if  neither  pay  for 

hoolmasters,  noi  loaves  and  fishes  for  priests,  had  been 

lamented  by  the  bequest,  I  would  have  condemned  it 

well  as  himself. 

id  lived  upB  I  mentioned  the  above  anecdote  to  some  in  New- York ; 

contingenBd  received  for  answer,  "  That  some  time  ago  it  was 

his  effectsjt  uncommon  to  see  persons,  who  had  once  lived  in  af- 

lencc,  suddenly  reduced  by  the  circumstance  above 

ntioned,  and  obliged  to  retail  oysters,  or  do  something 

ally  mean  to  gain  a  livelihood.     But,  that  now,  such 

he  spirit  of  reformation  and  improvement,  a  smart, 

o* 


ascribed  a; 
;  possessed! 
ding  to  the 
credit.    A 
mtered  inU'| 
foiiBcd  tk 
IS.     When  I 
ibility,  ami 
ricanmadil 
lOt  yourseli. 
Kvo'rld,  ami  I 
hich  otherH 
n  Americal 
eak  of,  fori 
ation  with-l 
leman  wisl 
h  the  mis- 
s  conduct- 


anil 
a  wretch-l 
Iperity,  anil 
exertionsi 


w 


*  ) 


I 


r 


\  , 


■  H 


!'. 


,(  »l 


73 


tTNlTEC  STATES. 


:^l    f 


man  need  not  be  reduced  to  any  such  extremity.    He 
has  only  to  close  his  store,  or  his  business,  with  his  pock 
ets  full  of  money,  and  take  the  benefit  of  the  act ;  after 
which,  he  can,  without  loss  of  character,  and  with  un- 
diminished credit,  if  he  has  proved  himself  a  smart  man 
(by  which  is  meant  a  keen  insight  into  the  highways  and 
by-ways  of  money-making,)  re-establish  himself  either 
in  the  same  place,  or  in  any  other  district  of  that  exten- 
sive country."     I  heard  of  some  men,  who  had  calki; 
their  creditors  together  several  times,  for  the  purpose  > 
compounding  with  them ;  and  who,  immediately  ati- 
each  compounding  with  them,  re-opened  their  busine^ 
with  renovated  splendour,  like  a  Phoenix  from  the  ashr ■ 
This  statement,  however,  it  is  but  justice  to  mention. 
had  from  Enfjlishmea ;  some  of  whom  had  been  di«a: 
pointed,  some  cheated,  and  some  returning  to  Englaii 
or  removing  to  Canada.     Yet,  as  it  was  a  subject  rt 
peatcdly  introduced  by  English  residents,  it  must  hav 
had  some  foundation. 

Another  cabin-passenger  was  a  tallow-chandler,  a. 
Englishman  by  birth,  who  had  been  resident  in  the  8ta!^ 
fifteen  vears.     He  had  a  friend  in  England,  a  teacher ti 
profession,  who,  from  reading  in  various  publicatior 
unmeasured  praises  of  America,  had  entertained  the  & 
sire  of  emis:rating,  and  of  resuming  his  profession  in  tkj 
country.  Before  he  adopted  any  decisive  step,  he  appii^j 
to  his  friend,  the  tallow-chandler,  for  authentic  intbrE- 
tion.     "  My  answer,"  continued  this  person,  "  convino 
my  friend,  who  enjoys  a  comfc)rtable  home  in  Englarj 
that  it  is  his  interest  to  continue  there ;  and  I  may  ve 
turc  to  predict  your  return,  unless  there  are  weight 
reasons  for  your  voyage  than  any  you  mention:    \ 
will  not  find  the  country  what  you  deem  it.     The  pe 
pie  there  have  so  many  opportunities  of  obtaining  ci: 
cation  for  their  children,  free  of  cost,  or  nearly  so, 
tuition  is  very  cheap,  and  schoolmasters  a  drug. 
teacher  in  the  States,  also,  will  profess  to  teach  nie 
branches  of  education,  than  one  English  schoolma>!| 
out  of  twenty  has  ever  heard  of;  and  he  will  also 
gage  to  make  the  progress  of  his  pupils  as  rapid  a 


propelled 
allowed  f 
cannot  ai! 
qiiently  re 
own  busin 
0(i,  when  j 
"  Yet,"  . 
respect   fc 
rnents;  an 
irreatly  coi 
Americans 
tor  learnin 
well  inforn 
f'oiieve  the^ 
and  Latin, ' 
'Uiderstand 
Ciently  acqi 
counts,  I  do 
ledge,  excej 
1.  '•  the  gen 
value  a  clas 
classical  ed 
^ions;  and 
the  professi( 
quately  pai( 
the  sons  of 
.^truction  is 
tew,  indeed, 
would  cond( 
profession  o 
"  There  r 
leigners,  in 
Idtion.    Pro 
very  honou] 
striving  for 
j^letely  mist£ 
situations  th( 
of  scholars 
land  States 
every  part  o 


PROFESSIONS. 


pnjpelled  by  steam.  In  England,  much  longer  time  is 
allowed  for  education  than  in  America.  People  there 
cannot  afford  to  pay  so  much,  or  so  long ;  and  also  fre- 
quently require  the  assistance  of  their  ciiildren  in  their 
()wn  business."  This  man's  remarks  I  often  remember- 
ca\,  when  pr<jsecuting  my  own  inquiries  in  New- York. 
'•  Yet,"  observed  I,  "  they  will  doubtless  shew  much 
te.spcct  for  teachers  who  possess  extensive  acquire- 
ments ;  and  this  feeling  of  respect  and  deference  will 
■^ivatlv  counterbalance  a  deficiency  of  income."  "  Th;3 
Americans;'  he  replied,  "  do  not  know  what  respect 
tor  learninir  means.  Thev  imnn^ine  themselves  as 
v.ell  informed  in  useful  knowledge  as  any  natirtn  :  and  I 
k'lieve  thev  are  so.  As  to  a  knowledge  of  the  Greek 
and  Latin,  of  what  advantage  is  it  in  lite.  If  a  man  can 
understand  his  own  language  thoroughly,  and  i)e  suth- 
Ij  cicntly  acquainted  with  arithmetic,  to  keep  his  own  ac- 
I  counts,  I  do  not  conceive  it  possible  that  any  other  know- 
ledge, except  French,  can  be  necessary."  "  Is  this,"  said 
I.  '•  the  general  opinion  of  Americans,  and  do  they  not 
value  a  classical  education  ?"  "  They  give,"  said  he,  "'  a 
classical  education  to  such  as  are  intended  for  profes- 
sions ;  and  any  parent  can  obtain  this  for  his  son.  But 
the  professions  are  too  much  crowded,  and  are  inade- 
quately paid.  Those  who  enter  them,  are  frequently 
the  sons  of  people  who  are  not  wealthy,  and  their  in- 
struction is  chienv  derived  from  charitable  funds.  Verv 
tew,  indeed,  who  can  establish  their  sons  in  business, 
would  condescend  to  place  them  in  professions.  The 
profession  of  the  law  must  be  excepted." 

"  There  must,"  said  I,  "  be  frequent  openings  tor  fo- 
leigners,  in  a  country  which  increases  so  rapidly  in  popr- 
Lition.  Professions  being  neither  very  lucrative,  nor 
very  honourable,  Americans  will  not  be  very  eager  in 
striving  for  them."  "  In  that,"  said  he,  "  you  are  com- 
pletely mistaken.  There  is  as  much  contention  for  such 
situations  there,  as  in  England,  and  even  more.  Swarms 
of  scholars  pass  through  the  colleges  of  the  New-Eng- 
land States  every  year.  These  spread  themselves  over 
every  part  of  the  Union ;  and,  being  generally  poor,  re- 


(  : 


»•■  «i 


t. 


■i 


|(» 


i 


r       ! 


80 


UNITED    SrATES. 


.(■' 


1 1 : 


:;1  i 
I  ; 


fuse  nothing  that  is  offered  them.  They  crowd  into 
every  profession,  and  are  ready  to  become  schoohnas- 
tcrs,  or  doctors,  or  lawyers,  or  clergj'men,  as  occasion 
offers.  The  Yankees  are  fond  of  an  easy  Hte.  Fo- 
reigners are  expected  to  contribute  largely  towards  the 
improvement  of  their  countr)'.  These  build  their  houses, 
and  perform  such  offices  and  labours,  as  the  native 
Americans  will  not  stoop  to.  The  pof)r  English  and 
Irish  dig  their  canals,  make  and  repair  their  roads,  clean 
out  their  sewers ;  in  short,  do  every  dirty  job.  The 
Americans  can  sup})ly  all  the  professions  Irom  tluin- 
selvcs.  If  any  prol(:'ssie)nal  foreigner  has  a  chance  ol 
succeeding  in  one,  it  is  the  English  physician.  Gentle- 
men of  either  })rofession  had  better  stay  at  home." 

Similar  conversations  to  the  above,  I  freciuently  had 
with  this  man,  which  staggered  much  my  conlldence  of 
success.  Yet,  I  could  not  regard  the  judgment  of  an 
unlettered  Englishman  as  suilicicnt  authoritv  on  this 
point.  Indeed,  I  found  upon  inquir}'  among  the  best  in- 
formed, that  his  observations  were  not  altogether  correct. 
But  vet  it  will  be  seen,  that  much  of  what  he  told  me 
was  afterwards  corroborated  by  the  testimony  of  others, 
whose  opportunities  of  accurate  information  cannot  be 
questioned  ;  and  English  teachers,  before  they  enter  in- 
to the  service  of  the  States,  would  do  well  to  deliberate. 

Another  subject  of  fre(juent  discussion,  was  the  sw/^e- 
riority  of  Ameiicans  to  Englishmen,  in  arts  and  sciences, 
in  steam-boats  and  steam-engines,  in  conflicts  by  land 
and  by  sea,  in  arts  of  peace  and  plans  of  government. 
The  English,  "  according  to  the  judgment  of  impartial 
men,"  were  completely  left  behind  in  every  thing  noble 
and  excellent  1  Tiiis  the  Am.ericans  asserted ;  and  the 
tallow-chandler  assented  to  it  as  true.  A  jjassenger,  a 
captain  in  the  English  navy,  observed,  "  that  many  of 
the  naval  advantages  over  the  English,  of  which  Ame- 
rica boasted,  had  originated  from  under-rating  American 
courage  and  skill.  Commanders  of  English  ships  had 
held  a  contemptible  opinion  of  Americans,  and  had  ne- 
glected such  precautions  as  are  practised  against  Euro- 
pean enemies.    Moreover,  American  vessels  are  often 


I  , 


AMERICAN   SUPERIORITY. 


81 


manned  with  British  seamen,  who,  being  deserters*  knew 
that  if  taken,  they  would  be  made  examples  of.  Their 
ships  had  also  more  weight  of  metal  than  those  of  the 
English  they  encountered,  and  a  greater  complement  of 
men."  This  the  Americans  denied;  and  maintained, 
that  Englishmen  could  neither  light,  work,  nor  study, 
equal  to  Americans.  James's  Naval  History  of  Great 
Britain  was  sometimes  referred  to ;  but,  wherever  the 
L'nitcd  States  were  concerned,  it  was  detected  hy  Ame- 
ricans to  be  one  tissue  of  falsehoods. 

One  particular,  exultingly  mentioned  by  the  ship- 
wrecked Captain,  and  agreed  in  by  all  who  had  been  in 
America,  was  the  skill  of  American  traders  in  striking 
hamains.  An  American,  they  said,  ''could  twist  an 
Englishman  round  his  finger :  could  see  further  into 
;  matters  hood-winked,  than  an  Englishman  with  both  his. 
eves  open;  could  make  a  fortune,  by  selling  the  same 
merchandize,  by  which  an  Englishman  would  become 
bankrupt;  and  could  always  gain  a  living,  where  an  En- 
dishinan  would  starve.  In  short,  it  would  be  a  dis^^race 
ti)  his  country,  should  an  American,  in  bargaining,  be 
|over-reached  by  an  Englishman,  or  sell  an  article  below 

utmost  value."     This,  as  far  as  my  own  experience 
bxjs,  or  my  inquiries  could  reach,  is  perfectly  accurate. 
[And  the  reason  of  it  is  self  evident.     Americans  have 
[r.irely  much  capital ;  and  every  dollar  they  part  with, 
'it  only  lessens  it,  but  their  respectability  also.     An  En- 
glishman, with  capital,  is  not  likely  to  gain  much  from 
American,  withotit  any.     Money,  if  they  continue 
long  together,  will  always  change  hands ;  but  no  inspired 
prophet  is  needed  to  foretell  into  whose  pocket  it  will 

My  talkative  fellow-passenger  even  asserted,  "  that 
Unerican  manners  are  more  gentlemanly  than  those  of 
khe  English ;  and  that  their  men  and  women,  of  the  bet- 
ter sort,  are  more  elegant  and  refined  than  our  aristo- 
cracy." I  expressed  a  doubt  of  the  truth  of  this  state- 
ment, and  a  belief,  "  that  where  regular  classifications 
i>f  society  are  acknowledged,  the  higher  circles  must  be 
ftiore  refined  than  elsewhere,  in  proportion  to  their  greater 


i: 


1  * 


I  i  I 


In 


(    I 


83 


UNITED    STATES. 


I  ;  I 


I   ; 


1      I 


I 


i 


or  less  removal  from   sordid  occupations.     There  are 
several  persons  in  England,  elevated  one  above  another. 
by  gradation  of  distinction,  which  cannot  exist  in  a  de- 
mocratic country.     I  instanced  then  our  English  mer- 
chants, in  general,  our  East  India  mcrcliants,  our  great 
landed  proprietors,  our  aristocracy,  our  hierarchy — and 
considered  that  the  lowest  grade  of  our  notjility  inustb 
much  more  refined,  than  con  be  found  in  any  country,  in 
which  there  is  an  aim  at  perfect  equaUty."     This  state- 
ment called  forth  tremendous  opposition  from  all  side?. 
All  of  the  passengers,  except  one,  unaniuKjusly  conrur- 
red  in  censuring  it.     They  instantly  voted  themselves 
and  Americans  in  general,  as  good,  as  highly  polished, 
educated,  and  informed,  as  any  English  nobleman.         I 
That  American,  who  joined  in  neither  absurd  cxac- 1 
geration  of  the  one  country  and  its  people,  nor  invidioiij 
depreciation  of  the  other,  was  a  professional  gentleman  | 
of  New- York.     In  his  conduct,  during  the  whole  voy- 
age, nothing  escaped  him  unbecoming  or  impro]X3r.  "  He  I 
had,"  he  said, "  seen  much  to  charm  and  delight  him,  more 
especially  in  England.     This  last  country  he  should  ever 
remember  with  admiration,  since  all  his  anticipations  had 
been  unworthy  of  what  he  found  it."     I  was  quite  puzzled 
to  account  for  his  admiration  of  a  country,  from  which  I 
was  hastening  into  voluntary  exile.     I  once  took  tea  ai 
his  house  afterwards,  and  found  him  there  the  same  gen- 
tleman I  had  observed  him  to  be  on  ship-board. 

There  were  also  on  board  two  gentlemen,  procecdinsl 
to  the  British  provinces.     The  one,  a  physician,  a  native 
of  New-Brunswick,  returning  to  practice  with  his  father.! 
who  is  in  the  medical  profession  also.     He  had  taken  hin 
degree  in  Edinburgh,  and  walked  the  hospitals  in  Lon- 
don.    This  gentleman  told  me,  that  the  States  would  ne- 
ver detain  us ;  and  that  we,  like  numbers  of  disappoiiit-l 
ed  people,  would  find  our  way  to  the  Canadas.     IndeeAl 
he  made  himself  quite  sure  of  this,  and  gave  me  an  m-\ 
tation  to  his  house,  should  I  pass  that  way.     The  otherl 
gentleman  was  the  son  of  an  officer  under  the  British  Go-I 
vermnent,  and  was  proceeding  to  join  his  father  at  Mon-I 
treal.    He  had  been  studying  some  of  the  Eastern  lan-l 


jiiajjes,  m  ( 


CUSTOM    HOUSE. 


88 


i^uaizes,  in  expectation  of  an  apjxHntmont  to  India,  but 
hiul  then  <,nven  up  the  pursuil,  from  want  of  sulHcieut  en- 
(uuraLirenient ;  and  intended  to  r)ass  a  tew  vears  iii  the 
Canadas. 

We  were  thus  trainefl.  in  some  nieasnr.%  for  entering 
i)U  America,  whilst  at  a  distance  from  her  shores.     Our 
<orvant,  also,  was  equally  trained  hy  the  observations  she 
(icard  relative  to  her  own  condition,  for  expecting  that  the 
ilistinction  of  master  and  servant  would  cease  when  we 
landed  ;  and  that  she  would  be  equal,  or  nearly  s<),  with 
her  employers.     My  wife  remarked  to  me,  several  times 
111  the  voyage,  that  her  behaviour  was  altered.     It  has 
<ubsc(iuently  occurred  to  me,  that  I  have  seen  some  of 
die  Americans  in  private  conversation  with  her ;  and 
probably  preparing  her,  heforehand,  tor  speedy  emanci- 
pation trom  her  promises  and  engagements.     I  have  al- 
ready told  how  she  acted  upon  entering  the  States,  and 
oon  she  found  her  way  back  to  Ensiland. 
To  proceed  with  my  retrospective  observations :  On 
ur  arrival,  my  books,  ^c.  were  conveyed  to  the  c;;stonri- 
ouse  for  examination.     It  cost  me  six  or  seven  days'  at-  ■ 
endance  before  I  got  them  out.     Tliis  was  owiii;(  to  my 
iaiining  them  free  of  duty,  on  account  of  tlieir  being 
Tofessional,  r.nd  not  intended  for  merchandise.     At  last, 
ftcr  much  suspense  and  trouble,  I  was  permitted  to  take 
hem  to  my  lodgings,  after  paying  on  them,  and  a  few  old 
hcets,  &c.,  about  forty  dollars.     It  apjiearcd  to  me  at 
IproceedinsBlic  time,  that  the  custom-house  olFicers  were  uncertain 
n,  a  native  Biiid  wavering,  respecting  the  duties  which  ought  to  be 
his  father.Binposed;  and  that  they  had  no  certain  rule  to  go  by.  Upon 
d  taken  hi'Biating  to  the  British  Consul  the  sum  1  had  paid,  he  in- 
Is  in  Lon-Bbnned  me^  that  if  I  had  a})p!ied  to  him  previ(jus  to  the 
would  ne-B^ynient,  my  books  would  have  been  admitted  free  of 
idisappoiiit-Buty.    I  believe  that  the  revenue-oihcers,  like  all  ])ersons 
trade  of  that  free  country,  adopt  this  maxim  of  their 
reat  philosopher :  "  Get  what  you  can,  and  what  you 
11  get,  hold." 

I  could  not  but  remark,  that  a  freedom  and  ease  of  ad- 

ss  and  conversation,  not  known  among  the  lower  or- 

ers  in  England,  prevail  among  these  classes  in  New- 


here  are 
another. 
:  in  a  de- 
lish  nier- 
DUY  great 
•hy — and 
r  mustht- 
ouutry.  in 
'his  state- 
I  all  side?. 
y  concur- 
icniselvos 

polished. 
nan. 

mvd  exac- 
r  invidiouj 
gentleman 
vhole  voy- 
oper.  "He 
it  him,  more 
hould  ever 
nations  had 
lite  puzzled 

m  which  1 
Itook  tea  ai 

same  gen- 

d. 


Indeed, 

16  an  iiW'l 

The  otheil 

iBritishGo-l 

\er  at  Mon-I 

lastern 


1! 


(  ! 


)   i 


1 1 


84 


UNITED  STATES. 


York  and  Boston,  as  well,  I  was  informed,  as  throughout 
the  Union.  The  people,  even  those  who  are  regarded 
as  of  the  lowest  grades  (for  there  are  grades  in  society 
there  as  well  as  in  England,)  have  no  appearance  of  ser- 
vility. This  arises  from  the  republican  form  of  their 
government,  which  regards  every  man  as  politically 
equal  to  his  neighbour.  The  carters  I  employed  to  con- 
vev  mv  trunks  and  boxes  to  and  from  our  residence,  felt 
as  little  of  obligation  to  me  tor  employuig  them  as  it  is 
possible  to  conceive.  Perhaps  there  is  a  gi  eater  degree 
of  independence  felt  by  the  Americans,  than  by  English 
people  of  the  same  stations ;  yet  I  doubt  if  it  be  accoir;. 
panied  by  greater  comfort. 

When  attending  at  the  custom-house,  on  the  morniii!: 
after  our  arrival,  to  procure  the  admission  of  my  books, 
&c.,  free  of  duty,  some  of  the  principal  officers  remarked 
to  me,  that  literature  in  England  was  retrograding ;  that 
her  scholars  had  exhausted  their  subjects  of  inquiry; 
that  America  had  taken  them  up  at  the  highest  point  at 
which  England  had  left  them,  and  was  advancing  them 
to  a  state  not  attainable  in  Europe.     "  Indeed,"  added 
they,  "  the  best  English  scholars  arc  emigrating  to  our 
country  to  gain  instruction."     I  was  then  a  stranger  of 
half  a  day,  and  American  literature  was  unlmown  tome, 
On  hearing  frequently  such  assertions,  I  was  speechless 
from  wonderment.     I  had  gone  with  on  expectation  of 
employing  greater  than  ordinary  acquirements  for  their 
improvement ;  yet,  should  things  prove  as  they  told  me, 
1  must  be  a  useless  teacher  at  tlie  first,  and  must  have  ad- 
ditional learning  to  acquire,  before  I  couhl  find  ern})loy- 
rnent.     I  could  only  reply,  1  hat  much  had  been  rumoured 
in  England  of  their  astonisliing  prr>grcss,  but  that  I  had 
not  been  prepared  for  the  fact  they  related.     Whcnl 
compared  the  manner  of  their  sjieaking  with  the  tilings 
spoken,  I  could  not  liclp  observing  a  striking  incongruity. 

The  mistress  and  boarders  of  the  house  where  we  first 
resided,  informed  '^:>  that  the  publication  of  Captain  Hall's 
Travels,  had  shut  the  entrance  against  an\'  future  recep- 
tion of  English  gentlemen  into  American  society.  "  ^o 
Englishman  will  hereafter,"  said  they,  "  be  caressed  in 


f  the  States." 
1  yet  I  have  n( 

English  gent 
J  from  the  bes 
[he  go  for  the 
fvcrv  liiirhcst, 
|ternal  countr 
^foreigner,  to 
iHospitality,  i] 
land,  I  bclicv< 
ft'ct  ho  will  fii 
There  is  a 
^  oi'k,  1)1  It,  I  ai 
\\\  .\e^v-ycar 
i'icnds,  to  rciK 
rer.with  whor 
lie  on  that  da 
(alls  wo  made 
iiirtill  .seven  a 
|(1.  wo  found  c 
ould  be  I'oga] 
■cat  with  ii'idij 

i"  with  his  c; 

!U-  acfiuaintai 

liioh  were  bn 

'0  called  on,  r 

kcs,  sweetme 

"1.  in  readine.* 

ley  were  then 

iit  and  beautiiii 

v^  was  wlioll} 

annual  shimb 

'^'M,  a  kind  of 

ly  thoir  devotii 

')'  not  being  pc 

!iy  from  home. 

'va.s  now.    All 

leoling.     The 

|\'t!  ligiit  hearts 

liny  nation,  th( 


k 


VISITING  ON  NEW.YEAr's  DAT. 


85 


foughout  I  the  States."  I  did  not  find  this  to  be  absolutely  true ; 
regarded  I  vet  I  have  no  doubt  it  is  accurate  to  a  great  extent.  An 
n  society  Bilnglish  gentleman  incurs  no  hazard  of  entire  exclusion 
:e  of  ser-  |from  the  best  society ;  but  I  much  doubt  his  success,  if 
ho  go  for  the  purpose  of  location.  All  classes,  except  the 
very  liighcst,  entertain  strong  prejudices  against  Jiis  pa- 
^tcnml  country,  and  seem  to  regard  it  as  the  duty  of  a 
orcigiier,  to  fill  inferior,  rather  than  higlun'  sit\iations. 
Hospitality,  in  the  sense  in  which  it  is  understood  in  Eng- 
aiid,  I  believe  he  must  not  look  for  to  any  great  extent. 
I'ct  he  will  find  instances  of  it. 

There  is  a  singular  custom,  w'hich  ]ircvails  in  Now- 

ork,  but,  I  am  informed,  in  no  other  part  of  the  Union  : 

11  New-year's  Day,  all  gentlemen  call  on  their  llMuale 

icnds,  to  renew  or  perp(!tunte  their  friendsliip.     A  l;i  w- 

er,with  whom  I  had  contracted  an  intimacy, introduced, 

lie  on  that  dav  to  about  thirty  ladies.     T iie  rounds  of 

alls  we  made,  occupied  our  time  from  nine  in  the  morn- 

vz  till  seven  at  night.     In  almost  every  house  we  enter- 

I.  wo  found  other  gentlemen  on  the;  same  errand.     It 

ould  1)0  regarded  as  un|)ardonal)ly  rude  in  any  lady,  to 

cat  with  inditference  a  gentleman,  who  had  Iiouoiu'chI 

r  with  his  call.     This  is  oft«'n  the;  commencement  of 

w  ac(iuaintances,  or  the  reconciliation  of  former  ones 

speechless Bhich  were  broken  off,  or  discontinu(Ml.     All  the  ladies 

3ctationof^e  called  on,  as  is  universally  tlie  case,  had  prej^ai'cd 

kcs,  sweetmeats,  wines,  cordials,  &c.  in  great  profu- 

iii,  in  readiness,  to  exhilirate  and  regale  their  visitors. 

!iev  were  themselves,  in  i^eneral,  verv  elo'^antl  v  docked 

■It  iiiid  beautified.     All  appearance  (.)f  mercenary  busi- 

rumouredfcs  was  wholly  laid  aside,  and  calculating  |)onury  had 

iiat  I  hadB  aiinurd  slumber.     Many  gentlemen  jaunted  about  in 

Whcnwi^'hi^,  a  kind  of  carriage  which  slitles  u|)on  the  snow,  to 

the  thingsHiv  thoir  devotions  to  the  fair  recluses;  ladies  oii  ihis 

ongruity.By  not  being  permitted,  from  punctilios  of  etiqu>'t:.  ,  to 

e  we  firsway  from  home.     The  scene  to  me  was  as  gratify iiti:  as 

ain  Hall  wvas  new.    All  was  animation,  cheerfulness,  and  friond- 

re  reccj>B  feeling.     The  Americans  seem,  on  this  occasion,  to 

y.     "  ^oHve  light  hearts  and  buoyant  spirits,  and  fulfil  as  much 

ressed  injany  nation,  the  command,  "  Take  no  thought  for  tlu"^ 

u 


I  of  their 
)olitically 
;d  to  con- 
lence,  felt 

m  as  it  is 
er  degree 
y  English 
)e  acconi-l 

3  morniiie 
my  books, 
remarked 
ding ;  that 
f  inquiry; 
!st  point  at 
icing  them 
bd,"  added 


ing  to  OUT  I 
anger  of| 


itr 


>wntome, 


s  for  their 
y  told  me,  I 
it  have  ad- 
d  em[)loY- 


I: 


i 


Hi 


86 


UNITED  STATES. 


• 


morrow."  Thus  some  traits  in  their  character  are  ex*  I  Washington 
tremely  pleasing  to  a  foreigner.  This  was  the  only  oc-  ■  council  of  t\ 
casion,  on  which  I  saw  the  bright  side  of  American 
sociability.  In  the  midst  of  this  joyous  and  festive  gaietv, 
my  fancy  whispered,  that  the  Americans  arc  really :. 
pleasant  people.  But  the  day,  with  all  its  pleasure? 
passed  away,  and  I  was  forced  to  moderate  my  flatter- 
ing  conclusions ! 

Tlie  i32d  day  of  February  is  Washington's  birth-dav, 
Last  year,  being  his  centennial  birth-day,  it  was  obseiv- 
ed  with  much  solemnity  ;  and  the  })rcparations  forcele- 
bratinij:  it  were  unusually  OTcat.  A  numerous  asscmbla'j 
of  o(lic(3rs,  and  gentry  of  dillerent  orders,  concTOirated  .i; 
the  Town-hall,  and  marched  thence  in  processifjn,  atteiiii 
ed  bv  soldiers  and  militant  music,  througli  some  ot"  tli- 


principid  streets,  to  the  Middle  or  lletbrmed  Dulrii 
(>!un-cb,  in  Nassau-street,  to  wliich  communion  Wasli- 
inii'ton  bclon<i:ed.  After  a  service  well  suited  to  the  or, 
casion,  the  procession  returned  by  another  route  to  tiit 
Town-hall,  where  refreshments  had  been  provided ;  smut 
of  the  public  buildings,  and  the  Town-hall  among  oflicn, 
were  in  the  evening  splendidly  illuminated  ;  ilv.  scnit 
was  impressive,  and  its  eilect  was  much  augmcnted.liy 
the  immense  concourse  of  well-dressed  ladies  and  m- 
tlemen,  with  whom  that  large  church,  the  largest  in  liie 
city,  was  crowded.  It  is,  ])erhaps,  proper  to  remaii, 
tliat  this  was  in  commemoration  of  one  of  the  mostcX' 
traordiiiary  revolutions  that  ever  took  place.  I  Iiada 
full  view  of  the  whole,  being  seated  on  the  })latform  civiM 
ed  for  the  clergy  and  other  distinguished  members  ot'tlie 
procession.  The  address  then  delivered,  I  could  iK'll 
lielp  a))})lying  to  my  own  case,  and  I  thought  of 
doubtful  conduct  in  relincjuishing  my  country  will 
any  cause,  while  Washington,  even  in  violating  his  1 
lity  and  oath  of  allegiance',  was  actiuited  by  evidci 
patriotic  m(  )ti ves.  1  f  )und  that  this  great  republican  li;iii| 
sworn  allegiances  to  the  King  of  Clnsat  Britain,  wlici 
iirst  became  a  soldier,  and  hnd  served  in  the  king's  \V(»f 
in  his  iiiitive  country.  Meditating  on  this  subject,  Iro 
(juested  of  a  clergyman  seated  near  me  to  be  iniurinci! 


lions  to  his  ] 
no  public  ac 
it  was  tacitly 
of  an  en  tor  J) 
:i  collassal  p 
own  name,  e 
friors,  statesn 
the  world ;  \a 
might  have  b 
tor,  and  have 
ccording  to  i 
1  liad  j)rece 
■i  and  appJic( 
ivas  there  I  v 
onoertod  ren 
liter  without^ 
'ii's  fi'iistrated 
vards  in  iront 
IS' some  one 
e  able  to  ind 
'"?  sighed  ov 
'I'ved  ( \jl(^ne 
't'  liad  introdu 
mm\.      Oj^ 

iiid  welcomeil 
I'ltional  jndepc 
loine.  hut  told 

to  obtain  ac 

'■I'h'  e\cliuje( 

'"■tily,  and  n 

"cd  by  iippoM 

-"'•0   and    ex 

Admissio) 

Widow,  won 

fl  Hot  refra 

'»  "!'  die  Colo 

"lericans,  c(pi 

eiidants  of  mo 


I 


1.^1 


I.    ' 


WASHINGTON  S    BIRTH    DAY. 


87 


'  are  ex 
only  oc 
Lmerican 

0  gaiety, 
reallv  :. 

pleasure?, 
jy  flatter- 

l)irth-(ky 

ns  obscrv 
IS  for  cell- 
sscnibl:!'-' 
■mi;ate(l ; 
on,  attt'in 
)nic  of  ill" 
led  Dutcli 
ion  Wa4 

1  to  the  "C- 
onto  to  tli'' 


Washington  had  ever  been  absolved  by  the  general 
council  of  the  United  States,  from  his  duty  and  obliga- 
tions to  his  king,  and  received  this  in  answer :    "  That. 
no  public  act  to  that  purport  had  been  passed,  but  that 
it  was  tacitly  understood."  Thus  the  perfiflious  conduct 
of  an  enterprising  man  has  given  birth  and  freedom  to 
a  colbssal  power,  and  has  transmitted  to  posterity  his 
own  name,  enshrined  among  those  of  the  greatest  war- 
riors, statesmen  and  legislators,  that  have  ap])oaied  in 
tlic  world  ;  which  conduct,  had  his  object  been  <lcfoated, 
m(i;\\t  have  been  branded  as  the  crime  of  a  base  deser- 
ter, and  have  been  followed  by  degredation  and  death 
[according  to  miUtary  law. 
1  iiad  })rcceded  the  procession  on  the  occasion  T  speak 
'.  and  appHed  at  the  church  door  for  admittance  ;   it 
,vas  there  I  was  first  informed,  that,  according  t(j  pre- 
onccrled  regulations,  no  person  could  be  allowed  to 
liter  without  the  passport  of  a  card.     My  d(^sire  being 
hus  fi'ustrated,  I  continued  walking  backwards  and  for- 
ided;  sniii'.Mvards  in  front  of  the  principal  entrance,  in  ho])es  of  find- 
)ng  otlu'iNBiirr  some  one  with  whom  I  was  acqviaintcd,  wlio  might 
tly^  sceiit:B)e  able  to  introduce  me  w^itiiin  the  walls.      I  had  not 
mented.l'yHonrr  sighed  over  my  unexpected  rejecticjn,  before  I  ob- 
and  uvii-B|..'rvcd  Colonel  H.,  to  whom  my  New-year's  Day  rain- 
gest  in  tiKRlo  had  introduced  me,  mixing  with  the  jieoplo  scattered 
()  reniaiiHroiuid.      On  recognition  of  me,  he  extended  his  hand, 
mi  welcomed  me  to  this  annual  eommemoration  of  tlK.'ir 
latioiial  independence.    1  thanked  him  for  his  kindwel- 
iiic.  hut  told  him  T  feared  I  should  not  be  so  fortunate 
to  obtain  admission,  since  the  door-kee])ers  had  rU- 
ady  excluded  me  for  w\ant  of  a  ticket.      He  laughed 
ht  ot  iiiJ'BL'artily,  and  replied,  "  The  Americans  are  much  capti- 
ry  witln'iitBited  by  ai)p(3arance  and  show :  use  only  a  littk;  ccjnfi- 
Mg  Ids  liilc'fcico   and    exertion,    and    v^iir  dress   will    uv\    vou 
evulciiiim"    Admission,  thought  T,  as  w^ell  as  honour,   "is  like 
d)lieaiilw'iB widow,  won  by  a  brisk  avtcm})t  and  putting  on."      I 
n,  wlienliiMuld  not  refrani  irom  moralizing;  on  this  merrv  observa- 
ling's  trnoi»)n  of  ibc  Colonel ;  concliision  led  rue  to  iiuagine,  that 
d)jec,t,  li'-Miiierieaiis,  equally  with  others,  are  the  legitimate  do- 
ini'uniK'ilwiidunts  of  mother  Eve,  whom  a  superficial  and  out- 


le  most  fV 
I  luulil 
form  eroit' 
1  tiers  of  tliel 
could  ii"!| 


'i    '     1 


1, 


88 


UNITED   STATIS, 


ward  comeliness  in  the  apple,  had  been  chiefly  instru- 
mental in  seducing.  The  same  promptitude  which  she 
exhibited,  to  be  fascinated  by  the  adventitious  fineiy  of 
exterior  decoration,  seems  to  have  been  entailed  on  tlief 
generality  of  her  oifspring.  We  find  tlie  p'ntitcr  ])ait. 
not  only  of  women,  but  of  men  also,  viewing  every  (il> 
ject  ^^•ith  the  e}'cs  of  Eve,  and  sacrificing  duty  and  iii.| 
terest  to  please  the  eye. 

I  fc^lt  some  hesitation  in  following  the  Colonel's  advioci 
and  sauntered  away  a  few  moments  longci",  in  reflectiiy 
on  the  course   1  sliould  atiopt.      Presently  1  desciicij 
amon'j;  the  crowd,  J)r.  JMatllK^vs,  a  clci'uvman.     I'rc- 
sing  towards  him,  I  made  him  acf[uainted  with  mydiij 
ficultv.     "  Tiirust  vour  arm,  said  he,  into  mine,  and  ;;!•[ 
low  no  person  to  separate  us.     1  shall  find  means  to  ifrl 
troduce  you."    He  accoi'dingly  made  his  way  to  the  m 
ter  door,  and  was  ])ushiiiir  in  williout  (ceremony.     IlavT 
ing  a])j)eared  in  his  canonicals,  his  profession  was  vi<i. 
ble  through  his  gown,  and  his  })orsonwas  recognised.  Lv| 
dint  o^"  mere  impudence  a  ])assage  was  made  lor 
Doctor  and  me.     The  pnjcession  then  passed  us,  in  tfel 
train  of  which  we  folilowed,  and  ascended  to  tlic  [latl 
form.    Durini!:  the  service,  Doctor  M.  made  a  polite  m 
mark ; — "  vV^e  derive  our  ])rinciples  of  freedom,"  sail 
he,  "from  the  English,  wliomwe  regard  as  our  pareiia 
and  brothers.    Those  of  the  best  class,  who  come  uvcJ 
bring  with  them  a  s))irit  of  indejiendencc,  which  Aiiierj 
icans  admire."      I  l('lt  llattered  by  this  delicate  compli' 
ment,  and  expressed  the  delight  which  his  liberal  sent 
ments  gave  me.     "  1  hope,"  1  said,   "that  similar  llelj 
ings  may  ra})idly  spread  in  America,  for  they  are  m 
yet  general."      And  I  tluni  added,   "liberty  in  Euirl;!ii| 
is  more  perfect  than  in  America,  and  any  one  can  llien 
express  his  political  sentiments  more  freel}',  and  uiti 
less  of  personal  detriment  than  in  New^-York."     Hi 
answered,   "  the  late  war  engendered  much  bitten 
of  feeling,  and  a  sirf)ng  antipathy  against  the  Endislj 
but  it  is  fast  disappearing  from  among  us."    1  had  lioarj 
tlie  same  remark  more  than  once  before  ;   and  I  am  i 
dined  to  believe  that  there  is,  among  the  best  inform^ 


ill  " 


INDEPENDENCE. 


89 


[y  instru- 
k'hich  she  I 
fine  IT  of 
ed  on  the  I 
ntcr  pan. 
every  I  il)- 1 
tv  andm- 

;l's  fidvice 
i  rofleetm.'! 
[  descried. 


n  gi'owing  disposition  for  friendly  intercourse  between 
the  two  nations.  But  there  is,  in  tlic  mass  of  tlie  ])eo- 
ple.  a  deep  rooted  hostility  to  England,  a  malignant  envy 
of  her  greatness,  and  an  eager  wish  to  witness  her  de- 
cline, by  revolution  or  otherwise. 

Doctor  M.  desired  I  would  inform  him  what  my  real 
opinion  was  of  the  American  clergy.  To  which  I  re- 
plied, "  I  admire  them  exceedingly,  and  think  higlily  of 
ihcir  church  government  ;  but  I  believe  they  are  defi- 
\  cicnt  in  dignity  and  sound  learning,  which  the  English 
clergy  possess  in  a  greater  measure.  I  perceive  also," 
added  I,  "  that  the  precarious  tenure  of  their  stipend, 
an.     I'lc^-B destroys  their  feelings  of  independence."' 

I  have  heard  Americans  assert,  that  England  has  no 

business  in  the  Canadas.  which  they  coMsider  ns  a  part 

lid  parcel  of  America.   They  declare  that  I'^pper  Cana-- 

a  was    first  peopled  from  the  States.      But  they  omit 

)  mention,  although  their  mortifications  hinder  them 

ioin  forgetting,  thnt  those  wlio  preti'rred  Canada,  were 

[nyalisls,  lovers  of  goofl  orrler;  and  had  an  irreconcilea- 

kie  hatred  to  democratic  principles.     The  Americans 

eel  the  present  government  of  that  provinc^c  to  l)o  a 

[lorn  in  their  side,  and  WTjuld  bestow  half  the  dollars 

hey  possess,  dearly  as  they  love    them,  to  produce  a 

panition  between  England  and  her  c<doni(.'s.      I  have 

le;ird,  more  than  once,  natives  of  New- York  debating 

jic  practability  and  desirableness  of  ;i  democracy  of 

ations,  in  which  all  kingdoms  and  countries  juight  be 

Ijiml,  and  England  might  sink  to  a  level  with  the  rest. 

I'hat  right  has  she  to  be  greater  than  other  nations  ? 

las  a  (piestion  frequently  asked. 

iTIio  i)rid(^  of  the  English  was  often  mentioned  as  iri- 
lerable,  by  the  lower  classes,  both  of  emigrants  and 
Americans,  who  refuse  to  recognise  any  superiority 
a  weil-i'ducated   above   an   unedncatetl    foreigner. 
Iioever  hesitates  to  associate  with  such  peoples  on  fa- 
liar  terriis,  will  be   treated  by  them  as  proud  and 
fighty,  and  they  will  striva^  to  mortify  him,  by  embra- 
|g  every  ojiportunity  of  gaining  an  advantages  and  of 
[uwing  all  imaginable  trouble  in  liis  way.   1  went  out 

H* 


fiy/. 


•i, 


t  ' 


90 


UNITED  STATES. 


'  » 


(  f 


I  I 


ll    i 


'f !  . 


one  day  and  purchased  something,  which  I  requested 
the  vender  to  deUver.  He  promised  I  should  have  it  in 
a  short  time  ;  but  as  it  was  not  brought  in  time,  and  we 
were  wanting  it,  I  sent  our  servant.  The  answer  she 
^  rought  back  was,  "your  master  must  take  it  himself." 
The  article  was  charcoal,  which  we  were  in  absolute 
want  of  on  a  cold  dav.  I  went  to  the  man  to  know 
what  the  message  was  he  sent  back.  "  I  have  no  per- 
son to  send  with  it,"  he  coolly  said,  "you  must  takci;| 
yourself."  "  Who  must  take  it  ? "  said  I.  "  Yourself," 
he  replied.  "Who?"  I  repeated  ;  looking  him  stcati- 
fasdy  in  the  face.  "  You  may  send  your  h(dp,"  he  rudeiv 
answered,  "  or  take  back  your  money,"  at  the  saHi: 
time  laying  down  what  I  had  paid  him,  and  turnin:] 
away.  I  was  finally  obliged  to  go  to  another  store 
and  [)ay  some  additional  charge  to  have  it  deliverer 
although  the  distance  of  the  former  was  nf)t  twcm 
yards  from  our  door.  Tliis  was  done  to  evince  his  ii; 
dependence,  and  to  prove  that  he  was  as  good  a  man  a 
myself. 

I  was  told  by  a  lawyer  I  sometimes  called  on.  tkj 
an  English  noblemen  once  bought  property  near  JVeffj 
York  city,  and  wishing  to  ex})cnd  some  money  in 
provcmcnts,  engaged  a  number  of  workmen  to  accoi;.] 
plisli  them.  On  the  first  day  of  their  emi)loymcnt,  M 
sent  one  of  his  servants,  when  dinner  was  ready  to  caij 
tliom  in.  They  went,  but  not  fniding  the  noblnman 
table,  they  demanded  to  see  him,  and  inquired  if  tb; 
were  not  to  dine  with  himself.  His  lordship  replie 
that  he  never  sat  at  table  with  his  workmen.  V^'hm 
upon  tiiose  people  collected  their  tools,  and  desired  k 
to  find  other  labourers,  for  they  were  accustomed,  atsj 
pla(T('S,  to  dine  with  the  master  of  the  house.  This,  an 
similar  stories,  were  related  to  prove  American  indj 
pendence.  The  same  is  never  again  likely  to  (xci 
at  New- York  ;  but  I  was  informed,  that  a  gentleman; 
country  places  must  submit  to  such  equality.  | 

The  Irish  are,  perhaps,  the  most  useful  people  in 
America,  and  not  only  enter  the  houses  as  domestic 
but  i^enbrm  every  drudgery  which  Americans  can 


pose  upo 
island  m 
Tiiey  cer 
upon  w' ho 
we  liad  i 
failliful  ai 
companie( 
king  an}" ; 
to  impres?) 
equal,  Ibr 
wiiieh  tlic.'< 
leans,  who 
regard  ant 
eonteinpt, 
liccs. 

It  often  i 
sels  from  1 
plained  of 
tion  at  hoi 
them,  anrl 
l)ill.     I  coi 
apj)cars  to 
and  impels 
whuiii  and  i 
and  w  J  lose 
admire  or  ;^ 
Perliaj)s 
to  emigrate 
I'leni  U)  ad 
with  a  ijivo 
iii'ts  and  sc 
nuirkahlo 
.greatest  slu 
A])iioa  ranee 
America,  d 
as  reality  hi- 
redundancy 
find  some  ii( 
arms  to  rect 
lier  outstrctc 


'iii.iit' 


^    '   s 


THE    ISISU. 


01 


pose  upon  them.  I  think  the  natives  of  our  sister 
island  must  be  a  meritorious  and  warm-hearted  race. 
They  certainly  appear  to  advantage  abroad,  as  persons 
upon  whom  one  may  depend  with  conlidence.  Tiie  one 
we  had  in  the  place  of  our  false  English  girl,  was  a 
faithful  and  deserving  creature.  She  would  have  ac- 
companied us  into  Canada  had  we  been  certain  of  ma- 
king any  stay.  I  do  not  wonder  that  Americans  wish 
to  impress  thom  with  the  notion  that  they  are  free  and 
equal,  f(jr  they  obtain  in  return  a  voluntary  shu'eiy, 
which  these  destitute  emigrants  perform.  Yet  tho  Amer- 
icans, whose  countr\'  this  degraded  ])(;o})le  is  imj)roving, 
regard  and  speak  of  them  ireqiiently  with  the  greatest 
contempt,  as  unfit  lor  any  thing  but  tho  most  menial  of- 
fices. 

It  often  ajipcared  surprising  that  every  arrival  of  ves- 
sels from  England,  brought  iresh  emigrants,  who  com- 
plained of  having  no  vote  ibr  members  of  rc|)resenta- 
tion  at  home,  yet  crowded  to  a  country  which  hates 
them,  and  dooms  them  to  the  disabilities  of  an  alien 
hill.  I  could  refer  it  onlv  to  that  blind  fatuitv  which 
appears  to  actuate  a  considerable  portion  ol"  the  Emrlisb, 
and  impels  them  to  court  and  Hatter  a  peo]>le,  between 
whuni  and  tiiemselves  there  exists  a  mutual  re})ugnance, 
and  whose  manners  it  is  inipossible  for  them  ever  to 
admire  or  adopt. 

rerha])s  the  desire  in  Americans  of  inducing  people 
to  emigrate,  and  to  submit  to  the  low  ollices,  has  obliged 
tiicm  to  ado})t  the  expediency  of  impressing  refugees 
with  a  favourable  idea  of  their  great  advancement  in 
arts  and  sciences.  The\  certainlv  have  llic  most  re- 
niarkable  confidence  in  their  ;Utainments,  and  the 
Q^rcatest  show  without  reality,  that  1  ever  witnessed. 
Appearance  without  reality  is  almost  as  useful  for 
America,  during  the  present  disturbances  of  England, 
as  real  it  V  itself,  and  much  more  easilv  attainable.  The 
redundancy  of  talent  and  imiustry  in  England,  must 
find  some  field  for  operation,  and  America  expands  her 
arms  to  receive  them.  But  sae  holds  out  privileges  in 
lier  outstrctciicd  hands  very  diderent  indeed.     Her  right 


1 


i(s 


\i. 


92 


UNITED  STATES. 


I   f 


J 


hand  pours  into  the  lap  of  her  own  sons  every  thing 
which  a  fruitful  country  can  afford ;  and  her  left  into 
tlie  longing  souls  of  Englishmen,  the  tares  of  disappoint- 
ment. This  is  not  in  itself  wonderful.  The  wonder 
consists  in  this,  that  these  Americans  should  be  able  to 
exercise  so  much  delusion  over  men,  whose  skill  is  so 
superior  to  their  own.  Yet  those  who  do  not  know  how 
to  prize  the  elevation  of  their  own  country,  ought  to 
bend  in  sulisci-vience  to  an  inferior  people.  The  Eng. 
lish  mechanics  have  generally  served  a  long  appren- 
ticeship, whereby  they  become  proficients  in  their  busi- 
ness, and  this  proficiency  of  theirs  dispenses  with  the 
necessity  of  mere  shew  and  pretence.  The  Americans 
hate  long  apprenticeships,  and  close  application  to  one 
pursuit,  but  have  discovered  an  admirable  substitute,  in 
rendering  subservient  to  their  interest  the  greater  skill 
of  poor  onigrants,  and  thereby  gaining  public  and  pri- 
vate wealth  from  foreign  sinews.  This  forms  one  of 
the  many  good  points  of  the  American  character. 

Another  praiseworthy  point  in  it  is  their  attachment 
and  devotion  to  their  country.  It  is  true,  that  were 
they  to  emigrate  to  Europe,  with  no  more  useful  qualili- 
cations  than  they  possess,  they  would  never  find  em})]oy- 
ment,  so  long  as  other  workmen  could  be  found ;  so 
tliey  arc  obliged,  from  this  circumstance,  to  remain  at 
liome.  Yet  tiie  Americans  are  passionately  fond  of  their 
country;  and  esteem  it,  its  government,  laws,  and  in- 
stitutions, as  the  best  not  only  in  the  world,  but  which 
human  wisdom  can  devise.  In  this  respect  they  diifer 
essentially  from  the  English,  v/ho  often  appear  to  be 
destitute  of  every  patriotic  emotion,  and  would  promote 
the  welfare  of  a  hostile  nation  to  the  detriment  of  their 
own.  There  is,  however,  at  this  moment,  a  greater 
reaction  in  the  European  mind,  than  at  any  former  period 
since  American  independence.  Tired  with  transatlantic 
imi)ositions,  and  the  encouragement  which  these  afford 
to  dishonest  dealings,  the  English  at  least  are  beginning 
to  perceive,  that  their  own  colonies  present  more  secure 
and  })rofitable  investment,  than  that  partial  country, 
whoso  freedom  has  been  so  greatly  enlarged  on. 


■  'U*   •'; 


VISIT   TO    THE    PASSAIC    PALLS. 


08 


CHAPTER  VII. 


1: 


Visit  to  the  Passaio  Falls — Conversation  on  English  Reform — On 
tlie  condition  and  disappointments  of  English  Emigrants  in  the 
United  States — Description  of  the  Falls — The  l'roi)rietor — 
American  and  English  Decorum — An  English  Clergyman—— 
Miscellaneous  Remarks. 


There  were  Fome  fine  days  in  sprinir  before  the  frost 

and  snow  had  entirely  disappeared,  during  two  of  wliich 

I  wont  to  the  Passaic  falls,  at  Patterson,  in  the  neicrh- 

bourhood.     I  passed  the  Hudson  in  a  steam-boat,  from 

Xew-York  to  lloboken,  in  company  with  a  gentleman, 

a  manufacturer,  of  extensive  information.     He  kept  his 

'larriage,  and  was  in  a  large  way  of  business.     "Eng- 

laiKl,"  said  he,  "has  committed  two  great  errors  in  her 

I  domestic  administration;  the  catholic  emancipation  bill, 

land  a  swee))ing  measure  of  reform.     Her  political  con- 

l^titution  will  be  quickly  altered  from  that  which  all 

nations  and  ages  have  admired,  and  she  will  l(«c  her 

lelevatiun  and  distinction."      This  gentleman  was  not 

sin_ij;ular  in  his  judgment.    The  same  I  heard  from  others, 

whose  respectability  was  unquestionable.     I  hope,  how- 

levor.  that  such  predictions  may  prove  fallacious,  and 

lat  the  prosperity  of  our  country  may  increase. 

A  vuuni'-  i^ardner,  from  Brio-hton,  overtook  me  on  the 
[road.  He  h;id  been  hi  New- York  three  winters,  and 
was  en^.iged  in  Niblo's  gardens.  As  I  never  failed  to 
[obtain  all  intelligence  in  my  power  from  the  experience 
[of  einigratits,  1  readily  entered  into  conversation  with 
him.  His  wages,  he  informed  me,  were  from  thirty  to 
[forty  pounds  sterling,  and  were  considered  good.  Betbre 
[lie  left  England,  he  made  as  much.  His  friends  had 
[endeavoured  to  dissuade  him  from  going,  but  to  no  pur- 
jpose.  His  health,  from  the  great  extremes  and  changc- 
jableness  of  weather,  was  far  from  good.  Money  could 
jnot  purchase  the  same  conveniences  there  as  at  Brighton ; 
land  he  was  not  so  well  circumstanced,  nor  enjoyed  so 


I  I 


j;  M 


1  1||    i 


;  •!' 


94 


TNITED  STATES. 


many  comforts.  He  had  often  thought  of  returning, 
but  the  shame  of  having  lost  what  he  possessed  before, 
and  the  uncertainty  of  a  good  employment,  were  the 
obstacles  which  iiindered  him. 

"  Do  you  imagine,"  I  asked, "  that  emigrants  in  general 
are  satisfied,  and  find  their  change  advantageous  upon 
the  whole  ?"  "  I  am  sure,"  he  replied,  "  the  generality 
of  them  are  not,  but  find  themselves  exposed  to  many 
hardships  and  privations,  Wnich  they  never  felt  in 
England.  They  are  not  admitted  to  equal  privileges 
with  Americans ;  and  many  of  them,  having  lost  all 
feelings  of  decorum  and  propriety,  and  finding  spirituous 
liquors  cheap,  fall  sacrifices  to  intemperance." 

"  What  do  you  consider  amongst  the  greatest  hard- 
ships of  an  emigrant  ?"  I  asked.  "  The  Americans,"  he 
rejjlied,  regard  all  who  come  over  with  contempt  or 
jealousy.  If  he  is  poor,  they  despise  him ;  if  rich,  they 
are  jealous,  and  envy  him.  No  Englishman,  if  he  enter 
into  business,  long  retains  his  money.  He  always  loses 
it.  Before  he  can  succeed,  he  must  acquire  an  intimate 
knowledge  of  American  ways,  and  during  this  he  he- 
comes  poor.  Almost  every  one  I  have  heard  speak  on 
the  subject  says  this.  He  must  then  begin,  like  an 
American,  without  capital ;  and  if  he  be  smarts  he  may  | 
save  a  little.  It  is  almost  impossible  for  a  poor  man  to 
become  rich  in  this  country  !" 

"Perhaps,"  said  I,  "the  thing  you  complain  of  is  tlie| 
same  in  all  coiaitrics ;  have  you  any  other  cause  of 
complaint  ?"     "  Yes,"  he  rei)lied.     "  An  Englishman  has  i 
here  no  domestic  comforts,  as  at  home.     He  has  noneot 
tlie  same  cheerfulness  nor  amusements.    The  Americans 
are  nt)t  sociable  with  the  English,  and  have  their  minds 
constantly  upon  gaining  some  advantage.     Yet  theyl 
have  always  behaved  civilly  to  me.     But  I  do  not  ad- 
mire their  manner^   there  is  something  in  them  so  cold  j 
and  forbidding."    The  same  I  had  heard  a  hundred  times  | 
before.     I  incpiired,  however,  once  more. 

"  Do  emigrants  frequently  complain  of  this  ?"  "  Yes," 
said  he;  "very  few  like  America,  and  it  is  long  before  I 
they  are  reconciled  to  it.     But  when  a  poor  man  comes 


M*  .  ^ 


ENGLISH    EMIGRANTS. 


95 


'cturning, 
id  before, 
were  the 

in  general 
30US  upon 
generality 
d  to  many 
'^er  felt  in 
privilege? 
\fr  lost  all 
;  spirituous 

atest  hard- 
Ticans,"  he 
jntcmpt  or 
■  rich,  they 
,  if  he  enter 
iways  loses 
m  intimate 
this  he  be- 
•d  speak  on 
in,  like  an 
rt;  he  may 
loor  man  to 

kn  of  is  the 
Ir  cause  of 
hshman  has 
[has  none  of 
lAmericaiis 
their  minds 
Yet  they 
I  do  not  ad- 
leni  so  cold 
idrcd  times 

?"  "Yes," 

long  before 

lan  comes 


here,  he  finds  a  difficulty  of  getting  back.  He  has,  for 
the  most  part,  no  way  left  but  to  submit.  An  English- 
man would  never  find  good  employment,  could  Ameri- 
cans do  without  him." 

I  observed  an  uniformity  of  statement  quite  surpris- 
m,  among  persons  from  England  and  Ireland.  The 
same  ditiicultics  and  privations  and  dislikes  had  befallen 
most  of  them.  But,  perhaps,  wh(?rc  almost  every  one  is 
complaining  of  grievances,  those  become  magnified 
beyond  their  due  proportions.  We  find  this  frequently 
ill  England. 

"  I  have  heard  that  farmers  do  well  in  this  country,'" 
isaid  I.     "  So  have  I  heard,"  he  ref)]ied  ;  "and  am  going 
Ito  make  inquiries  respecting  some  cheap  lands  in  Penn- 
[svlvania,  for  I  am  tired  of  New- York.     I  have  some- 
times thought  of  Canada;  but  the  cold  of  New- York 
in  winter  is  very  severe,  and  tlic  heat  in  summer ;  and 
inericans  tell  me  it  is  worse  there.     But  many  people 
lave  told  me,  that  the  Canadian  government  is  lighter, 
;iid  has  less  of  taxation  than  the  American." 
"  If  you  are  so  poor  as  you  speak  of,  how  can  you 
Dtain  a  farm  ?"     "  I  am  not,"  said  he,   "  entirely  desti- 
tute.   Americans,  too,  make  it  very  easy  for  a  poor 
nan  to  go  on,  for  which  they  secure  some  advantages. 
Arsons  are  wanted  to  cultivate  their  country,  wiiich  is 
^et  in  many  places  waste  land.     If  I  had  a  farm  of  my 
iwn,  I  might  work  upon  it  when  I  had  leisure,  and  at 
Itlier  times  be  employed  for  some  neighbours." 
"Do  Americans,"  I  inquired,  "employ  much  time  in 
[ardcning  ?"     "  Very  little,"  he  replied.     "  There  are 
line  public  gardens,  as  those  I  am  engaged  in,  kept  in 
[ood  order ;  but  in  general,  gardens  here  arc  not  much 
Ittended  to.     The  winter  is  too  long,  and  sj)ring  too 
liort  to  allow  of  much  time   being   spent   in   them, 
anericans  are  mostly  otherwise  engaged.     Labour  here 
much  higher,  in  proportion  to  the  value  of  produce, 
lan  in  England ;  and  the  people  less  able  to  ])urchase 
I  do  not  think  the  Americans  have  any  taste  for 
Lieh  things."     This  young  man's  views  of  the  ])Cople  of 
incrica  were  far  from  favourable ;  but  some  allowances 


i; 


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i  ' 


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!,l 


and  deductions  must  be  made,  on  account  of  his  line  of 
business,  which  is  certainly  not  yet  much  wanted.  Few 
houses  have  even  so  much  as  a  shrub  or  evergreen  to 
decorate  them. 

We  at  last  reached  the  Passaic  falls.  TIkm'c  is  some- 
tiling  in  the  bolder  outlines  of  nature,  which  awe  and 
astonish.  The  body  of  waters  at  the  time  I  saw  thoin. 
was  considerably  aui^mented  by  the  molting  snow.  The 
river  Hows  over  a  bed  of  stone,  with  nmch  descent, 
All  at  onc(^  a  rent  or  chasm  extends  across  the  bed  ui 
the  river  from  t>ne  side  to  the  other,  which  serves  as  a 
channel  to  the  waters,  and  through  which  tbcy  arc  im- 
petuously hiu'ricd  down  successive  jtrecijiiccs,  from  ;i 
perpendicular  height  of  about  seventy  lect.  As  lhi< 
channel  is  very  contracted,  when  compared  willi  tlio 
breadth  of  the  river  above,  the  wut«3r  uc(|uires  an 
astonishingly  hurried  motion,  and  assumes  the  appear- 
ance ot"  cataracts  of  foam. 

There  is  a  handsome  footbridge  of  woo«l  thrown  over  | 
the  chasm,  which  commands  a  full  view  of  the  water. 
This  bridge  is  very  much  above  the  cataract;  and  as  ill 
is  perfectly  secure,  and  well  })rotected  by  wood  work  or 
both  sides,  it  atl!)rds  tiie  mingled  sensation  of  fistoiii>li' 
ment,  safety,  and  dreadful  api^rehcnsion.     When  wti 
liad  crossed  the  bridge,  and  viewed  the  natural  beaiUi.'> 
of  the  place,  we  were  returning,  but  were  siiddenly  :ir-| 
rested   by  the  demand  of  the   bridge  proprietor,  who 
addressed  us,  "Two-pence  ea(;h,  gentlemen."     "  Ynuj 
take  us  by  surprise,"  said  I,  "  You  have  gi\en  no  inti- 
mation bv  anv  i)lacard  or  notice,  that  you  make  v^ 
acuons  for  crossing;  but  alter  vou  have  got  us  in  vniir 
power,  yt>u  have  the   boldness  to  demand    jiayinoiill 
whether  \v(j  please  or  not.     Is  this  the  boasted  treedoinl 
of  the  Americans?"     "Come,  come,"  said  he;  "  it  hm 
no  purj>ose  that   you   make  many  words.     Pay  yoiil 
must.     Do  you  think  we  ])ut  uj)  bridges  ihv  every  onel 
to  pass  who  choos(*s,  and  yet  take  nothing  in  return?  il 
j)0ssessed  much  of  the  land  on  the  other  side  of  \m 
river,  on  which  the  factories  and  town  are  i)uilt ;  biitj 
sold  it,  when  the  speculation  for  making  Patterson 


I        I 


PROPRIETOR   OF   THE    FALLS. 


97 


f  his  line  of 
ited.  Few 
^^crgreen  to 

crc  is  some- 
eh  awe  and 
1  saw  them. 
snow.  Tlie 
K'li  descent, 
s  the  bed  ol 
serves  as  a 
tlicy  arc  in> 
ices,  troiTi  ;i 
L't.  As  thb- 
•ed  with  llii: 
acijuin^s  an 
i  the  api»c;ir- 

thrown  over 
A'  tlie  water, 
ct;  and  as  it 
ood  work  on 
I  (»1'  nstoiii>h- 
When  wc 
nrul  heauti'* 
suddenly  ar- 
)rietor,  Nvk' 
eu."     "  Y"Ui 
rJNen  no  inti- 
,u  make  v\- 
ot  us  in  v<»iir 
id   payniL'iil 
sted  treiHloii; 
he;  "it  is  to 
Pay  yoo 
)Y  every  <»nf 
ill  return 

side  of  the 
irel)uilt;  but 
rutterson » 


manufacturing  town  was  first  projected.     I  got  a  good 
•  my  lands,  and  bought 
Illation :  and  beini 


pnce 
on  sj 


jon 


rocks  and  grounds 
have  erected  that 


idire  nivselt",  and  bave  laid  out  tiie  irntund  we  stand 
nn  as  a  jdeiisure  iiround.  wliicb  in  suniUK^r  looks  beauli- 
ti,l.  For  all  this  ex)»ciise  and  trouble  1  only  demand 
t\vi»-j)ence  iVom  each  visitor,  li"!  inadf  no  ebarirc,  my 
iiircliase  and  bridL^i;  would  be  a  lo^iu'j:  speculation." 
•Thcv  would  indeed."  said  I  :  "and  1  tbink  vour  aru;u- 


h.i 


lit  a  verv  u^ood  one 


W 


(■  sh.ii 


I  I.I  V  \  ou. 


Alter  i  bad  oaid  liim  bis  den  and.  f  asked  if  hi-  I'aiiiiK" 


had  come  irom  the  old  counlrv 


.\o.  ll 


lailK  t  iod."  \\; 


II, 


native 


answ'-r.    "Mv  l"or<d"ath(M-><  o|"  nanx'  '.r'n^raiioiis  wov 


A 


nuM'teans. 


1 


Would   not    !><•  an    hinu'lisbman 


■•W 

bilLTI! 

iiDHtl 
lllvlll. 


IV 


aid   1,   "do  \ou  cnii'i-ijiiii  ^o  hhk  ii  disiike   t 


t » 


n  r)eoi»i( 


Tb 


I  "'"I 


>!(' 


1   I 


lave  s{  I'll. 


arc 
I  I 


\r    jCl.J'd 


tliC    Most 


!,i\'('  no  \\  '-^h  to  cMn'oiiia::'*' 


They  come  into  my  irardens,  and  I'wt  d wn  my 

|\'iiiiiLrtr(>es.  ;uid  mutilate  my  seats  and  lablt  s  and  bjidu-  . 

mil  iret  drunk,  and  eui's<'  and  swcai'.  and  {\^i'  indoct  iii 

aiiuaiaii'C,  and  i^ive  irn^at  olli'iicc  lo  the  Ann  ricMis  wlui 


iatroni.se  mv  u-anlms. 


I  I 


ii\-o  t'orbid  tlic  !  ai 


ItalifO. 


I 


am  ohliLTcd 


lol 


i.ivc  sojiH'  i!('iS(iato  \\al<'|i  tii(  HI 


h  admit- 
til 


Iwlicii  the\'  come  in. 


'Of  what   .iMiiilisb  do  Voii    si>(\ik  '."    I    a^kcd.      "(It 


H  ><ii\ 


h(!   rriiiie 


who  ai'c    emi'!o\c(|  jn    the    mil 


hey  (|uit( 


1111 


0  dciiKtralisc   the   pla( 
:naii:e  are  utferlv  ahominablf 


I  he 


('oiKiaci  .111(1 


coii'd    W' 


d'cd't 


lie  proprietor,  am 


I  that 
•I 


IH>   lolllld  Soiiu'  ch^'Ck   IK  '■(■ 


ar\ 


I  nrdor  to  rcstrani  such  visitors  wnhin  (hie  hounds. 
The  r«'inail\s  ot"  this  L^entlcman  jnstilied  s'»iii('  ohs(M'- 

atioiis  1  had  beard  ma(l(^  in  A('\v-^ Ork,  by  y\nirric;ins, 
|\vh()(|()ii(»t  \\  isb  to  see  iVnicriea  a  manulafluriiiLi  count  ly. 

"Ik'V  declared,  that  the  inoiai  conduct  ol'  I'nu'ish  in;mi  - 
lactiirci's  was  contaLriouslv  conlaniinatini;",  and  intccicd 


lie  verv  districts  where  thev  li\i 


It 


iinpleasaiii.  it  is 


I  IB'ven  excecdiim'h'  mol•liiyinL^  to  lind  s(»u"rievoiis  a  chari:(, 
[trniiLdit   against   one's  countrymen,   in  a  Strang*'  plac«.' 


put  vet,  when  u 


e  see  American  decorum,  it   is  impossi- 


'le  to  palliate  or  explain  away  the  fact.     The  Ameri 


I 


\K 


k 


98 


UNITED   STATES. 


I: 


I     I 


i  I 


I     I 
t 


I    f 


I  , 


i  J  , 


cans  in  their  exterior  deportment,  are  remarkably  cor- 
rcc.t.     One  cannot  but  atlniire  it.     I  n(!vcr  saw  in  tin 
behaviour,  nor  Ikn'uvI  in  the  discourse  of  an  Aiuericaii;! 
\V(»r(lor  action  ui'»r;illy  iiii|trf>[)cr.   1  iicard  of  tiiiuLrs  ddh 
b\'  tliciii  in  secret;  but  llie  rejiort  ot"  a  t;d«vbe:irer  h;- 
witii  nie  no  weiLrht,  when  )ila(;ed  against  tlie  (leninii>ir,i. 
tion  of  my  senses.     'I'iieir  exterior  moral  deportment.  ;iv  I 
f'lr  as  ll'll  under  mv  <»bservation,  is  i)ertectlv  i)himelc<>: 
if  we  except  their  caL'erness  to  ol)tain  dollars,  even 
th(^  confines  of  truth  and  falsehood,  oi"  honesty  and([-| 
lionesty. 

"Have  you  se(,'n  many  respectable   Enirhsh   ])e(i|v 
here  T'  1  asked  the  ))roprietor.     '' There  aie."  he  s;ii.i,| 
"  some  manufacturers  from  J-aiLrland  resident  here,  \u 
broUL^it  considerabie  capital  with  them,  and  havi^  iiii 
mills  <if  dilferent  kinds.     'J'hey  are  the  IcadiuLi:  I'eojilriJ 
the  place.      Wluui  strana'crs  eonic"  into  )iiv  i^ai'dens.  ;ii:.: 
beiiave  themselves  pro))eily,  ]  do  not  know  whether  tlr. 
are   Americans  or  Jiiiniishmen.     There  is  no  dilfu'u:' 
in  telliiiL*".  where  ill-behaved  jjcople  come'  from." 

"  I  suppose,"  said  J.  "your  gardens  are  lh'(juente(l  t'j 
numerous  visitors."     "  In  summer,"  lie  answered,  '•Lnc;: 
numbers  visit  them.  They  are  neiir  enough  lor  residcn' 
of  A'ew-^  ork  to  leave  home  in  the  nutrninir,  and  :i!k: 
takinu"  refresinuents  iji  mv  irardens.  to  return  in  the  cvin- 
lUis.     The  Catholic  liisiioj)  of  New-^'(jrk  was  here  l;iy| 
week,  and  conversed  with  me  a  lonu;  time.     1  think  I 
an  obliuiuLT  and  well  iid<>rmed  gentleman."     "1  am  nl^l 
acciuainted  with   the  iicutleman  vou  have  menlionciii 
said  I,  "and  esteem  him  hi-dilv." 

I  infornKHl  iiim,  that  I  was  an  Enirlish  episcoi)al  rh-\ 
gyman,  and  iiad  emiirrated  to  the  States  to  examine  tiit 
country  for  mvself.  "  if  you  will  remain  over  Sumhiv.'l 
lie  observed,  ''and  ))erform  service  in  ourchui'ch.  IwJ 
go  and  ])rocure  you  })ermission.  The  ])eoj)le  will  be  \:WA 
of  an  o})portunity  of  hearing  an  I'^nglish  minister.'" 
have  not  conuv'  1  replied,  "  j)repared  in  any  respect  tiJ 
your  very  kind  otler,  and  must  necessarily  decline  liJ 
honour  you  intend  me." 

"  There  was,"  said  he,  "  an  English  clergyman  liviiitl 


1 


SAX.  FATCR. 


99 


ill  Patterson  two  years  acre  lie  remained  for  sonic 
iiiDiitlis.  and  iniu'ried  a  lady  ot'  \ho.  ])lacc.  ll(^  came  t«» 
Aiin'i'i'Ni  tfMthiaina  sitii;iti<>n  in  soiih;  of  our  cliurclies  ; 
iiiit  liiid  no  interest,  and  no  vai-uit  place  prcscnied  ilself, 
Vt  hist  tliss:ilis!ied  with  liavin'j"  iiotliiiiL!:  to  do.  and  li'ir- 
iijlie  slioiikl  ne\ei-  siiect'ed,  lie  I'ctni'iicd  wilh  liis  lady 
'm  lliiirland.  lie  lVci|nently  peril trnied  duty  in  tMir 
.•hun-ji.  and  was  nineji  liked.  Had  he  (-((iitiniied  a  year 
r  two  iiinixer.  he  mi'jht  have  had  a  call  to  I'allersoii  : 
,  ir  we  have  now  no  minister."  "  Perhaps,"  said  1.  "he 
iiii'ilil  ha\i'  no  eneoui"aL!:<'nient  to  li\  his  I'esideucr  here, 
•;:i.l  liie  >tipeiid  of  sneh  a  eliiireh  nii^iit  not  he  silliieniit 
!■  r  his  niiiulen  uiee."  "It  is  v.'r\-  iari;'e."  he  replit-d, 
■'\>)\'  the  coii'jn'.Lralion  is  nnnieroiis.  The  salary  may  ho 
i)rtuven  three  and  li\('  hundred  dollai's :  hut  il  is  dilli- 
'•;,!t  to  mention  ;my  exact  suui.  Ik;  miiiiit  also  ha\e 
Iku!  a  sehodl." 

"1  ha\'e  u'l'eat  respect,"  he  a(ld"d,  "tor  Vaiu'iish  eler- 
'.yiiieii.  a.nd  i"e(juesl  thai  you  will  step  into  my  hou^e  and 
laKc  a  L'lass  of  wine."  This  hospitahie  oliiu'  I  accepted, 
and  had  the  pleasure  of  drinkiuL!'  wiiK' with  the  p)-opi-ie. 
I'lrefthe  Passaic  Falls.  I'rom  his  cnnvcisalinn,  1  louml 
ihit  Americans,  in  LTcneral.  in  the  vicinity  oi  Paltersori, 
have  dc'jradin'i  notions  of  I'inu'hmd  and  its  peuple  ■_!•( mv 
ral.'v.  iVoni  the  spec inwn  ihev  h' hold  in  our  \\ea\ers  and 
>|ii  111  'i's.  The  monit'd  manutacturers,  who  have  I'i'ecled 
iiiilis.  they  esteem  hiu'hly.  This  n'entleman  and  i  talked 
tnjvtlicf  ;i  loiiM- time,  and  hecamemoi'c  and  more  iViend- 
i\'.  1  le  possessed  a  Li'reater  share  of  liherality  than  m<  >st 
Americans:  anil  hetore  J  pai'l''d  Irom  him.  e\piv>si'd  a 
ui-^h  that  I  WMiild  i-epeat  my  \isit,  and  |>(a'form  sci\  ice 
in  their  episcopal  church,  of  which  he  was  a  inemhei". 

At  the  Passaic  l''alls.  the  famed  Sam  i'atch  pei'|oi-nied 
si'iiir  of  his  wonderful  leaps,  lie  had  heen  cnamoujcd 
<M  a  yoiinn;  woman,  who  rejected  his  olli'rs,  and  to  drown 
lii^  love  he  strove  to  drown  himself.  J  lis  intention  was 
only  half  accomplished  ;  for  his  love  hut  not  his  life  was 
annihilated.  Although  lie  liad  lcaj)t  into  the  water  I'roni 
a  surprising  lieight,  yet  he  rose  with  animation  to  the 
surface.     Its  r^^dlnoRs  which  tioze  his  amorous  attach- 


^i 


I ' 


i  I 


I 


.11,  I 


i    hi 


loo 


UNITED    STATES. 


I         I 

t    '     \ 

I 
1 


1 


I    ; 


I  i 


•*    I     ! 


1.1    ! 


I   ^ 


^'C. 


1     ! 


f  I 


monts,  gave  him  .i  distasto  for  tlrovvniiii^,  and  the  desire 
of  life  was  rekindled.  Having  discovered,  hy  a  lover's 
lea|),  that  a  tall  from  even  lofty  elevations,  if  upon  a  sub. 
stanee  siilli<"i('ntly  yi<'iding,  is  unac(!om|»anied  with  <l;iii. 
grr,  he  anM()iin<;ed  his  iiiteiition  of  rejx'ating  his  leaj),  an.i 
th(^  Pjissaie  I'^ails  were  sel<'(;te(l.  A  great  multitude  ;iv 
scmhled,  and  he  descended  trom  a  distjuice  of  nineiv 
feet  into  the  river  heluvv  the  falls.  The  event  was  cor- 
n»horative  of  his  fu'st  experiment.  He  then  hetook  liiin. 
self  to  sueh  exploits,  as  a  profession;  and  leaj)t  in  sue- 
ecssif>n  several  watei'tidls  of  that  country.  At  the 
Niagara  Falls,  a  scallold  was  erected,  upwards  of  oiii 
hundred  li'el  ahove  tlu?  water,  sutlieiently  far  over  the 
river  to  l"re(^  him  I'rom  the  danger  of  rocks.  The  water 
of  th(?  river,  at  the  place  h(^  entered,  is  about  one  hun- 
dred and  seventy  lei^t,  and  a  little  helow  two  hundred  ami 
twenty  ieet  deej).  He  did  not  lea))  the  whole  deftthfi; 
these  lidls,  which  are  one  hiuidred  and  sixty  feet,  l)ii; 
more  than  two-thirds.  The  Genessee  I'alls  at  liochcv 
ter,  were  the  closing  scene  of  his  exhibitions.  He  had 
leapt  then)  once,  and  he  si unmont'd  courage  to  leap  tliciii 
sigain  :  and  a  crowd  asseini)!ed  to  cheer  him.  But  thi^ 
time  the  water  into  which  lu;  descended  was  not  twelve  1 
feet  deep;  a  space  insullicient  to  muitralize  the  acciuircd 
celerity  of  his  lidl,  and  his  increased  gravitation.  He 
was  also  intoxicati'd,  and  lost  his  halanci;  in  his  descent, 
His  bodv  wnsn(»timme(hatelv  t()und,  hut  was  atterwaiiM 
taken  up  greatly  bruised,  and  with  some  of  its  limbs  l)i(> 
ken,     Su<'h  is  the  storv  told  of  Mr.  I'atch. 

T  remained  at  Patterson  all  night  :  and  breakfast,  li 
next  morning  at  a  public  table,  at  which  several  youiii' 
men  vvt>re  seated.     They  were  boasting,  that  their  iia-| 
tional  debt  was  much  reduced,  and  would  soon  be  paiii 
ofK     This  was  a  to})ic  of  fre([uent  congratulation  t" 
Ameri(^uis,  at  their  social  meetings  ;  and  is  undouhtcdiy  | 
a  national  freedom  from  some  burdens,  although  no  na- 
tional advantage.     Their  })ublic  debt  is  about  two  mil- 
lions and  a  half  sterling ;  of  which,  in  the  spring,  they  I 
anticipate  an  entire  discharge.    "  What  will  the  English  | 
do,"  they  inquired,  "  when  we  pay  off  our  debt  ?"  "  They 


National  debt. 


101 


cannot  then  put  their  niom^v  out  to  interest,  and  will  he- 
come  bankrupt."  I  r('|>lie(l ;  "tlie  Aiiieric;ni  (l»'l>f  is  too 
small  to  be  worth  the  nicnlioii,  and  eau  alli'ft  laiLdand 
but  >!iL''htly.  There  an?  iiinrc  individuals  lliiiii  one  there 
uiiv  of  whom  could  have  redeemed  ymiy  dtl»t.  ;il  ifn 
"•retilest  a)ii'>imt  :  and  m;iii\    hundi'etU  who  ei>iild   now 


-ni'SiV  tlischarLi'e  ii 


'l^i 


ie\'  ei  )ii!d  II'  )t  eoi,  II  li'i-liciid  liuw 


this  111 iifht  he.  and  spoke  of  iw.»  ^,\•  liiree  Iniiiilred  (iol- 
lars  as  a  irreal  sum.  and  of  a  person  heiir_:'  indepeiident 
orn'aiiy  so,  wilh  a  thousand  dol!;ii-s. 

Som»?  Amerieans  told  me,  that  poor  emiu rani <  eon i- 
|ilaiii''d  ol"  their  i)eiim"  trodden  under  loot  lt\'  iioMeinen 
ami  l/ishops:  and  that  they  had  shown  ilh  :u  some  |iie- 
lures  ol"  .John  iJull  weighed  down  \>v  Wiwj:.  iiiij,le>.  ;ind 


ions,  standiiiir  on  his  sluKadej-, 


I  1 


i;;\  e  hi'C'U   aMxcd 


soverai  times  whether,  if  a  ri(.'h  oi*  a  pooi-  mnn  wei'e  lo 
iiiC(M  on  theroail  near  a  dirty  jilaee.  the  |)(h»i"  man  would 
liiriw  himself  down  and  allow"  tlu;  I'ieli  man  to  walk 
r  him  as  over  a  hridi!:e.     1  onlv  smiled  at    tiie  sim- 


nV( 


[liicity  •)!  the  ((uestn 


on. 


At  <»ne  )»laee  on  my  wa\'  hack,  whei'e  T  nride  some 
iiu|uii'y,  they  asked  m(3  what  jiart  of  Jarjland  i'eai...' 
iVi'm:  on  my  an-:werim;'.  fr:;ii!  London,  liny  semn  ti 
ijiiiif  astonished  ;  and  said,  *•  Many  pe(»p|e  from  Lnndo.i 
sjh'ak  so  unintelli!J!"ihly,  that  we  eannot  eomj.i'ejiend 
tJi''ui.     There  is  a.   farmer  in  tiKMieidihourlu.tod,  \\  ho 


i.^U 


lie  fioui  that  jtlaee,  a  decent  sort  of  a  man.      \\  e  li 


\e 


iuiii.  heeanse  he   dcjes  not  rundown  our  (  «»untr\",  nor 


llllM 


file  with  ])olitirs.     j'.ut   he  is  \'ei-y  ] 


n )( )r 


II 


e    e;m 


!i:inlly  live,     jjiit  altiiou^h  you  and  he  lii\('  liotji  ckw*' 
I'oii;  oiii*  ]>laee,  you  do  not   speak  alike."     *•  It  i^  \eiy 
ii')-;sihle,"  said  I,  *' J'or  London  is  e\tensi\e,  and  contains 
.iiaiiy  pe(tple,  hut  few  farmers." 

When  they  mentioned  ill  it  he  di  I  not  nu-dille  with 
iiililics,  I  was  anxious  to  lea,,n  if  the  fai'm  he  lived  on 
was  his  own.     "  Ves,"  said  ihey,  "and  he  has  possess(.'d 


ii  iiiaiiv  years. 


11 


IS  he  no  \-()i( 


aid 


lied 


I  >es 


not  exei'ciijje  iinv,"  was  the  answer 


ll"  he  should  he  a 


1'  )lilician,  he  would  soon  ilnd  that  Americans  know  how 
••Mreat  him.     We  can  manaiie  our  allairs  without  En- 


1    f  ' 


t 


i- 


'      I 


f  ^  ' ',., 


102 


UNITED    STATES. 


'1       !■ 
i 

I 


i 

I: 


,( I 


ii 


glish  interference."  "  I  jx'rceive ,"  said  I,  "  that  the 
Americans  are  a  i'wc  |XM»))le,  and  that  all  who  come  to 
tliein  are  tier  and  indejx'ndent."  "  Yes,"  said  they, "wc 
ar(!the  only  tree  |K»(»i>!e  in  the  world.  Wcdon«>t  wish  the 
En,i:lisli  people  to  (^oiiie  to  our  country;  hut  if  they  du 
eoiue,  and  behave?  themselves  projierly,  and  ))ay  their 
dehts.  we  jx'iiuit  them  to  remain  unmolested  and  nniio. 
tieed.''  ''  ^'ou  are  ii(»t  only  tree,"  said  J,  "  hut  .Lrener()U> 
also."  They  were  hiirhly  j)leas(!d  with  me ;  and  said. 
'•We  like  to  lu.'ar  well  hehaved  people." 

Thei'e  wen^  some  Irish  fauiili(;s  along  the  road,  who 
cxpressetl  th(.'ir  jtleasnre  at  the  sight  of  a  person  from  the 
old  country.  Their  kindiu^ss  and  open  heartedness  was 
so  ditli'rent  from  tlu;  heartlessness  of  some  1  s])okc  to, 
that  their  V(MV  conversation,  and  the  incjuiries  they  niado. 
were  indescribahlv  irratit\ing.  1  w^as  grieved  to  find 
that  in  America  tin?  Irish  are  generally  poor.  The 
Americans  have  much  labour  to  execute,  and  find  in  the 
generf>us  Irish  a  ready  instrument.  They  have  disco 
vered  the  blind  side  of  that  o{)en-hearted  race;  and  by 
copious  libations  «»f  whiskey,  and  a  little  cajoling,  have 
led  them  com))letely  as  they  wish.  The  Americans  are 
truly  sharp-sighted. 

Great  inundations  of  emigrants  from  Ireland  are  con- 
tinually pouring  iiito  America.  I  do  not  believe,  h(»\v. 
ever,  trom  all  I  could  learn,  that  their  condition  gene- 
rally is  much  im})roved.  A  change  of  country  is  to 
tliem  only  a  chanLie  of  masters.  Thev  do  not  feel,  in- 
deed,  their  inferiority  so  heavily  as  before,  because  the 
higher  orders  are  not  so  much  elevated  as  in  Euro{)e. 
Our  servant  had  entered  the  States  with  the  rest  of  her 
father's  family,  which  was  settled  in  New- York.  8he 
informed  us,  that  their  emigration  arose  from  llatterini' 
statements  in  some  letters,  which  they  had  received  liuni 
ac(|uaintances  who  had  pnjceded  them.  They  hiui 
lound,  however,  no  advantage  from  emigration  ;  for  their 
labour  supported  them  better  in  Ireland  tlnm  it  did  in 
America. 

The  Ain(n'i(;ans  nre  eairer  to  sow  dissensions  between 


J  . 


SOME  EMIGRANTS  ALWAYS  EXOTICS. 


103 


a  speech  of  one  of  the  memoers  of  Congress — Mr.  Clay. 
"  01*  all  foreigners,  none  amalgamate  themselves  so 
quickly  with  our  jK'oj)le  as  th(3  natives  of  the  Emerald 
y\e.  In  some  of  the  visions  \vhi(;h  have  jiassed  throni;h 
iiiv  imagination,  I  have  sn|tj»«»se(l  that  Ireland  was  uri- 
irinnlly  [)art  and  ])ar('i'l  »>t"  this  continent,  and  that  hy 
SKine  extraordinary  c(ujvulsi(»n  of  nature  it  was  torn  from 
America,  and  driftiuL''  across  the  Atlantic,  was  ])la('(Ml  in 
the  unfortunate  vicinity  of  Great  Hritain.  TIk^  samu 
()jien-heartedness,th«'  same  generous  hospitality,  the  samo 
careless  and  nncalculatinLT  indillerence  ahout  human  Hie, 
characterise  the  inhabitants  of  hoth  countries.  And  I 
have  no  doubt  that,  if  the  current  of  emigration  wero 
reversed,  and  set  from  America  upon  the  shores  of  Eu- 
Rrjvo,  instead  of  bearing  from  Europe  to  Anicrica,  every 
American  emigrant  to  Ireland  would  there  find,  as  every 
Irish  emigrant  finds  here,  a  hearty  welcome  and  a  happy 
home." 

The  editor  of  an  American  pa[)er,  called  The.  Old 
Countryman,  made  among  others,  the  following  obser- 
viiiions.  "  We  are  aware  that  there  are  some  men 
who  are  always  exotics,  a  nil  never  become  naturalized. 
The  great  mass  of  i)ersons  who  arrive  in  the  United 
States  from  abroad,  are  allured  to  it  from  the  feeling, 
lliat  liberal  principles  ab(>und,  and  that  they  can  sit  down 
free  and  happy,  enjoying  the  rights  of  humanity.  In 
diis  tliey  are  sometimes  disaj)pointed.  It  is  a  fact  which 
no  one  will  dispute,  that,  because  they  were  not  born 
in  the  United  States,  they  arc  occasionally  treated  as  if 
they  were  not  equal  with  others."  ?  hose  emigrants, 
"sometimes  disappointed,  and  not  ti\  ted  as  if  eijual 
mill  ot/ie?'s"  will  be  generally  tbund  to  be  from  Eri- 
L'land;  persons  not  of  tlie  lowest  orders,  of  good  cha- 
racter and  guilty  of  no  misdemeanf>r.  If  a  man  has  so 
[acted  in  his  native  country,  as  that  his  return  would  be 
uiicointbrtablc,  he  must  endure  patiently  his  hardships. 
Many  Englishmen  would  gladly  return  home,  if  they 
[could  obtain  the  means  ;  and  many  more  were emigrat- 
[ing  from  the  States  into  Canada. 

The  English  do  not  know  the  happiness  and  great- 


i  I     I 


104 


UNITED   STATKB* 


I' 
I 


ness  of  their  own  countr}^  It  is  true  that  tho  national 
debt  is  a  great  burden,  and  that  taxes  of  various  kind? 
arc  o|>|)rcssi\'c.  Yet  the  means  to  meet  them  arc  jir<> 
portionallv  trreat.  If  people,  who  complnin,  would  fi.li. 
rate  in  Kutrlnnd  the  same  inconveniences  which  llmv 
must  do  \\\u)  live  in  /.  merica,  thoy  would  nil  iivow  rich. 
It  is  a  verv  common  tliinir,  for  three  or  lour  liuniiics  i. 
inhal)it  ouL'  house,  hecuisc  none  of  them  separately  can 
pav  i'or  an  entire  dwellinu;.  This  is  not  c(»iilin(Ml  to  \h 
lowest  class  ;  r('S})ectal)le  prolessional  men,  ami  n,  r. 
chants  oi'  i^ood  standiu;i,  do  not  esteem  it  beneath  thin. 
to  be  i'ound  occujnin^''  two  or  three  rooms:  soukjc 
them  only  one  room.  Their  mode  of  life  also  is  iimd 
less  cleanly  and  less  comt'ortahle,  than  respectable  jic.> 
pie  in  J'iUuiaud  have  any  concej)tion  of.  Vet  the  hi-iii. 
elasses  li\e  well,  and  as  much  as  possible  after  the  Kii 
glish  style. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Democracy — Brulal  conduct  of  Ainoricans  towards  snch  as  fjug 
lightly  of  their  Government — May-day  in  New-York — Silci.c. I 
and  haste  at  Meals — Vanity  and  lUiberality — Americans  fciirtif 
reproach  of  l)eing  Descendants  of  Felons — Cliange  of  !Suni;i".u< 
— Frequent  Fires — Value  of  Ground  Lots — American  Friiils- 
Servitude — Complaints  of  Emigrants — -American   Disp:itili-| 
Juvenile  J)elin(iuents — Work-House — Outraijcd  Indians — Boun- 
dary Line  between  tho  United  States  and  Canada. 

DiniocRAeY  may  sound  verv  well  in  theorv  :  bulib 
practical  tendency,  I  am  persuaded,  will  never  lie  lioiie- 
iicial,  exce])t  in  a  country  wiiere  population  is  thin!) 
scattered.     There  is  in  America  no  stability  to  ])rivai(| 
or  ])uhlic  character.     In  En^tdand,  the  conduct  of  sumej 
noblemcMi  was  severely  censured,  for  ejectin^:^  sucii  oi[ 
tlieir  tenants  as  voted  against  them.     Tiie  same  t.'iiiid 
will  be  Ibund  to  prevail,  as  far  as  is  practicable,  even  in 


ii^:  I 


DEMOCRACY. 


109 


America.  General  Jackson,  on  being  elected  President, 
displaced,  I  was  informed,  ncarlv  one  thousand  jKiblic 
otiiccrs,  on  account  of  |X)litical  f(»elings. 

Many  of  the  Eni,Mish  have  hccn  h(*ard  to  say  th:it  the 
j)eoplc  of  Eni(landar«'  oppressed  and  enslaved,  and  tliat 
llicre  is  no  i)erf(;(;t  hherty  in  l'iiii,dand.  This  was  or.cc 
my  opinion.  But  it  is  now  manifest  to  me,  that  liU- 
glandisthe  only  place  where  rational  and  jterfect  liher- 
ty  is  enjoyed.  A  ))eison  dares  not,  in  America,  (^xpnss 
his  sentiments  with  half  the  freculom  that  he  does  in  En- 
gland. I  once  ventured  to  remark  to  an  American,  in 
tlic  hearing  of  a  person  from  England,  that  1  did  not 
|)erccive  the  Ameri(;ans,  with  all  their  boasted  inde- 
pendence, to  be  really  in  a  more  enviable  condition  than 
Endishmen :  that  I  bei;an  seriously  to  believe,  althou-jh 
of  a  dillerent  opinion  formerly,  that  an  herecUtary  mo- 
narch and  aristocracy  are  of  vast  advantai'e  to  a  state, 
and  contribute  incalculably  to  its  m-eatncss.  The  En- 
fflisliinen  drew  me  aside,  and  desired  me  not  to  let  fall 
I  expressions  of  such  imjiort.  "The  Americans,"  said 
he.  •' have  long  memories.  You  are  now,  from  not  be- 
m  employed,  independent  of  them  and  conseciuently 
nit  their  power.  Yet  should  you  hereafter  have;  occa- 
jsioii  to  solicit  a  favour,  and  thereby  ])lace  yourself  in  de- 
nxjiidcnce  on  them,  you  will  find  that  they  never  forg(^t.'* 

It  is  evident  to  any  one,  at  all  conversant  with  the 

jNilitics  of  I'jurope,  tliat  France  has  humbled  her  heredi- 

|t;uT  nobility  in  compliment  to  American  r(^])ublicanism. 

I  France  never  did  any  thing  so  egregiously  foolish.     She 

lias  made  herself  a  laughing-stock  to  the  world,  and  to 

I  well-informed  Americans,  amoni;  others.    They  heartily 

despise  her  politics,  which  they  consider  as  chikhsh.     If 

Endand  should  a(lo|)t  a  similar  procedure,  she  would 

instantly  decline  from  her  greatn(3ss.     The  aristocracy 

is  her  strongest  bulwark.     If  any  great  change  takes 

Iplace  in  their  privileges,  or  in  the  privileged  classes  of 

[the  country ;  or  if  the  elective  franchise  be  extended  to 

Ithe  lowest  orders;   the  stability  and  supremacy  and 

jglory  of  England  are  at  an  end.     Americans  are  eager 

lior  some  great  change,  or  a  revolution  in  England ;  and 


I . 


\-\ 


n 


I     ; 


)      'i 


iiii 


106 


rmTKD    iTATKf. 


')' 


■i   'i  ' 


i 


anticipate  th(3ir  own  acriirancliscment  from  Europ<^nii 
disastns.  TIhmi'  papers  frofjuently  contain  fuhninatioiis 
against  J-iiiirlish  ]>rin<Mples,  airainst  the  exaltation  ollur 
society,  and  a-jaiiist  the  wide  extension  of  iicr  cuiu. 
niercc  and  hri-  sway.  'I'his  they  do.  in  order  to  linin 
(UMiviTts  to  ili;'ir  |(»riii  of  L''oV(jriiin('nt.  and  citizens  U' 
tlicir  eoiiiitrv".  I'lit  should  any  well  iiitorined  l'in'j"li>ii- 
nian  arrive  ilii'i'''.  cajjahlt;  of  eoinpariiii:  the  two  t'»ri[,> 
(A'  government,  and  of  estiniatinLT  the  advantages  (•lln.- 
(rwn,  they  will  not  eneonraLre  his  stay. 

The  hest  circles  in  i\ew  York  disajiproved  and  ([;>• 
c/ninteiiaiiced  tlu^   Itrntal  conduct  of  their  countrviiicri 
to  Kean  and  other  actors  from  I'^nirland.  who  had  spek'D 
lightly  of  their  government.     Yet  I  iieard  s(»me  in('ivi. 
duals,  whom  I  had  consid(M'ed  as  helonuing  to  the  hi-Jiir 
drcles,  justilV  the  ]thren/,y  of  the  nioh.     A  ]>ers(»ii.  ti 
cjvdit  and  underslanrl  the   sensitiveness  of  their  i:i.iiv 
jxilitic,  and  the  electric-like   shock  and  rai)idity  will 
which  anv  sensation  felt  in  one  part  is  conveyed  1; 
newspapers  t(j  every  (Corner  of  their  empire,  and  \\- 
brates  through  every  chord,  must  liavc  resick'd  ariinii'l 
tJiem,  and  Ijave  witnessed.     Woe  to  the  man,  \\\\«^- 
c/>iidu<'t  or  ex})rossion  lias  provoked  their  indignation 
He  will  not  be  expelled  from  America,     lie  may  li\> 
there.     But  he  will  lind  iiimself  a  marked  man  wIktc-I 
over  he  goes;  shunned,  yet  imposed  on ;  and  as  co:!,- 
})letcly  debarred  I'rom  undertaking  any  thing,  or  t'lvi:. 
succeeding  if  ho  should,  as  if  he  had  liis  residence  \vi;::| 
tlieir  antipodes.      An  j'^nglish  captain,  with  whcni  1 
want(\l  to  take  a  jia.ssage  liome,  declared  to  me  tliatiie 
woidd  rather  tall  into  tlie  bands  of  any  enemy  lliar. 
tliose  oi"  Americans.     jMy  opinions  on  this  ]»oint  arci:. 
unison  with  his.     May  heaven  shield  me,  from  colli>ii'3i 
witli  the  brutal  outrage  of  a  rc})ublican  mob,  and  iVi!; 
democratic  vengeance ! 

The  hrst  of  May  is  noted  among  the  people  of  ?Sc\i 
Y'^ork  ibr  bustle  and  change.  It  is  almost  impossible  loj 
rent  a  house  or  lodgings  longer  than  for  one  year ;  a 
m  any  part  of  a  year  longer  than  till  May-day  next  ei>| 
suing.    We  had  taken  our  apartments  till  that  time,  at 


f 


■  > 


MAT.DAT    IS    IfEW-TORF 


107 


;ci\  niid  il;s- 
cnuiitrviiitr. 

)luul  S|)(tk'D 

some  iin'ivi- 
tollu^  lii'ilur 
A  |»(>rs(.ii.  ti 
if  tlicir  ii'''lv 
npidily  \\i;l 
couvcvodlv 
pirc,  and  vi- 
['sid»'d  ann'i;: 
man,  uli'i>f- 
indi.unatiori 
llo  may  liv'; 
man  wln'ii- 
and  as  en::.- 
linu",  or  i'n!:. 
'sidonco  ui;':: 
ith  ^vhl'al  1 
o  me  lli:i.l'nt 
enomy  \h''- 
|s  ])i)int  aiT  i:. 
from  colli>i"a 
ob,  and  t'rc!:. 

iople  of  INtwl 

impossible  to| 

le  year ;  ai 
-day  next  eivl 
that  time,  at 


V 


ihe  expiration  of  which  Mrs.  F.  took  other  lodginajs, 
during  my  tour  through  the  States  and  Canada.  She 
tlescribed  May-day  as  allbrding  scenes  exceedingly 
laughable  ;  in  every  direction  were  carts  and  waggons 
Alien  with  furniture  ;  the  streets  were  literally  fdled 
with  chairs,  tables,  drawers,  desks,  carpets,  &c.,  pass- 
'uvs  from  one  house  to  another,  to  the  great  advantage 
the  carters,  who  find  full  employment,  and  are  on 
Itluit  day  paid  double  charges.  It  is  also  not  a  little 
Lnatifving  to  .\ew-York  gossips,  who  are  allowed  a 
peep  into  the  lodgings  of  such  strangers  generally  as 
bve  not  permanent  dwellings.  As  May-day  ap- 
proachL'S,  the  landlord  proposes  to  the  tenant  his 
teims.  The  tenant  finds,  for  the  most  part,  an  ad- 
vance of  rent,  and  prefers  a  change.  The  landlord 
annexes  to  the  door-post  a  written  notice,  and  the 
knant  commences  amusing  himself  with  entering 
|every  one's  dwelling  similarly  circumstancec',  and  ex- 
posing his  own  to  the  gaze  of  others.  It  is  almost 
impossible  for  a  stranger,  who  has  occupied  lodgings, 
ami  wishes  to  escape  imposition,  to  avoid  such  intru- 
M  into  his  private  rooms.  We  suffered  this  our- 
selves, and  therefore  speak  from  experience.  Many 
LVmerican  women,  we  were  told,  occupy  much  of 
jiheir  leisure  time  about  this  period  in  prying  into  the 
abodes  of  foreigners,  to  sec  if  they  are  respectable, 
find  have  their  rooms  well  furnished.  Americana 
poald  not  have  invented  any  domestic  custom  more 
Inquisitorial,  or  which  gives  a  readier  access  to  the 
privacies  of  strangers. 

Another  thing,  offensive  to  English  people  accu»- 

jomed  at  home  to  the  pleasures  of  a  separate  table, 

|s,  that  they  cannot  find  a  boarding-house  where  they 

lay  take    their   meals   by   themselves.      They   are 

liged  to  mingle  with  all  promiscuously,  whom  the 

distress  of  the  house  admits.     It  is  true,  that  much 

bnversation  need  not  be  kept  up,  nor  many  words 

fxchanged.     The  people,  at  these  houses,  sit  down 

table  and  lise  up  again,  without  thanksgiving  and 


I      1   . 


/  ^''L. 


108 


UNITED  STATES. 


I 

i  i 


without  ceremony.  The  business  of  eating  is  a  task, 
for  which  a  short  time  only  can.  be  sj>ared,  and  it 
must  be  hnished  with  dispatch.  The  different  guests  | 
study  their  own  accommodation — in  sitting  down  and 
rising  up — in  the  duration  of  their  continuance  all 
table — in  their  entrr.nce  into  and  departure  from  the 
eating  room.  Sometimes  a  whole  meal  is  begun  am] 
finished,  without  the  utterance  of  a  word.  Eatinijis 
performed  with  the  same  unceasinu'  activity  as  a  \v;,ik 
in  the  streets,  and  no  intermission  -^an  be  spaied  lur 
social  converse.  Indcrd,  it  is  im|irktcticablc  foi  aiil 
Englishman  to  indulue  1'"  \self  in  talking,  as  at  h;j; 
and  to  acquit  himsell  in  eating,  as  an  America.),  li,;] 
utmost  efforts  are  retju.ied,  to  keep  pace  with 
neighbours ;  I  never  was  so  much  at  a  loss  hou  loj 
conduct  myself  pro;)erly,  as  at  an  American  table. 

Sometimes  a  few  observations  are  made,  but  theyl 
always  end  abruptly,  uidess  rendered  palatable  m 
flatt(jt'y.  A  physician  of  some  eminence  boarded  atj 
the  same  house,  and  ate  at  the  same  table  with  oii:.| 
selves  ;  he  one  day  asserted,  that  literature  and  schoJ 
lars  in  America  we  e  infinitely  raised  above  those  oil 
Europe,  and  of  Er  -land  in  particular.  I  mentioiiei]| 
to  him  my  experiei  ;e  in  America,  and  what  I  k(\ 
noticed  at  Boston  He  grew  rather  warm  at  nJ 
narrations  and  re  arks,  and  said  "  You  must  adniitj 
at  the  least,  that  .merican  physicians  are  above  tho^el 
of  England,  in  ound  knowledire,  and  in  physic  IT 
**  I  could  hard  '  conceive,"  I  replied,  "that,  iu  a| 
countiy  so  recent  y  peopled,  and  so  sparing  in  pecu- 
niary and  honorar}  recompense  to  proi'essional  tale.^,. 
any  fust-rate  physicians  could  be  found.  AVertI 
American  institutions  on  so  excellent  a  plan  as  to| 
produce  attainments  of  suflicient  biilliancy  to  shin 
in  England,  their  possessors  would  never  be  satislieJ 
with  the  state  of  things  in  their  own  country,  biif 
would  emigrate  to  climates  more  congenial  to  theil 
acquired  perceptions,  where  their  talents  might 
appreciated  and  rewarded."     "  You  have  slandere 


iri 


VANITY    AND    ILLIBERALITY. 


109 


our  country,"  he  iudignantly  exclaimed,  "  and  could 
never  gain  a  comfortable  living  in  it."  "Some  of 
vour  own  clergy  and  professors  were  of  a  different 
opinion,"  said  I,  "and  er^ouraged  me  to  open  a 
school,  at  respectable  terms.  I  have  contented  my- 
self with  making  inquiries  respecting  professions  in 
general,  and  my  own  in  particular,  l  id  have  discover- 
ed that  America  has  nothing  to  confer  which  could 
allure  my  stay."  He  shortly  after  left  the  table,  and 
for  three  days  seated  himself  at  another  plane,  where 
he  could  exchange  neither  words  nor  looks. 

Such  is  the  narrow  and  illiberal  spirit  which  infuses 
Itself  into  almost  every  untravelled  republican ;  and 
which  never  can  be  exterminated  under  their  present 
system  of  government,    and   during   the   unrequited 
energies  of  literary  men.     A  state  of  thing??  which 
fosters  such  a  spirit  must  be  prohibitive  of  American 
irieatness  ;  but  it  sufficiently  accounts  for  the  degrad- 
ing tlattery  which   prudent  emigrants   will    furnish. 
The  republican  ear  is  never  satisfied  with  praise  and 
ladulation ;    nothing   is  too  fulsome  or   extravagant. 
''There  is  nothing  which  tyrannic  power,  equal  to  the 
kods,  when  tlattered  and  extolled,  cannot  credit  of 
litself."     This  part  of  'he  American  character  is,  I 
[believe,  the   most  offensive  to  an  honourable  man. 
jHe  dares  not  speak  openly  his  own  sentiments  ;  he 
Ifeels  himself  in  a  strange  country,  where  true  freedom 
[is  unknown,  and  where  unconditional  surrender  of 
Icoiiscience,  and  unbounded  and  unceasing  approba- 
tion, are  rigorously  extorted  from  him.     I  have  no 
[hesitation  in  affirming,  that  no  gentliiuian,  who  can 
sustain  himself  with   credit  in   Europe,   will  reside 
Ipermanently  in  the  States. 

Did  this  narrowness  of  spirit  arise  from  mere  vanity, 
pt  might  be  more  excusable.  Its  origin  is  in  vanity, 
blended  with  deadly  hatred  to  England.  America 
resembles  a  young  girl,  just  liberated  from  a  severe 
foster-mother,  and  introduced  into  the  world  :  all 
lations  praise  and  admire  her,  and  she  is  filled  with 

K 


.       t 


I      1 


.i 


ii; 


!; 


I     )  :     ■ 

i  Si':' 


110 


UNITED   STATES. 


vanity :  all  nations  persuade  her  that  she  has  been 
cruelly  treated,  and  she  is  filled  with  animosity  and  I 
hatred:  the  refuse  of  all  nations  tell  her  that  invete- 
rate  rancour  is  becoming  her  station,  and  that  her| 
most  engaging  forms  are  republican;  and  she  becomes, 
as  a  gentleman  of  great  eminence  in  Canada  told  me, 
more  democratic  every  hour,  and  neither  forgets  nor  I 
forgives.     That   she   has   attained,   in  some  things, 
almost  the  lowest  depths  of  absurdity,  it  is  my  firmj 
opinion ;  and  many,  even  of  Americans  themselves, 
are  disposed  to  believe  it.     She  has  not  yet  acquired  I 
sufficient  insight  into  other  governments  and  instituti. 
ons,  to  perceive  their  merits,  cr  her  own  deficiencies. 
She  flatters  herself  that  she  has  culled  all  the  excel- 
lencies  of  others,  without  their   imperfections ;  and] 
has  extirpated  from  herself  every  blemish,  and  cherish- 
ed  her  perfections  only ;  and  that  a  judicious  amalga.| 
mation   of   these   perfections    and   excellencies  has 
rendered  her  supremely  lovely,  and  supremely  great! 
Had  she   contented  herself  with  such  a  vanity,  a$| 
Dr.  Franklin  speaks  of  in  his  life,  she  might,  witJ 
him,  have  enumerated  it  among  legitimate  sources  otj 
enjoyment,  and  have  given  thanks  to  providence  for| 
the  blessing. 

Dr.  Jones,  author  of  the  Greek  and  English  Lexi-I 
con,  a  gentleman  with  whom  I  had  the  honour  of  ani 
intimate  acquaintance,  once  told  me,  that  he  had  al 
strong  dislike  to  that  portion  of  Franklin's  worksl 
called  "Poor  Richard  ;"  '* Because,''  said  he,  "ithasl 
imparted  a  bias  to  American  principles,  and  has  ren-f 
dered  them  too  parsimonious  and  mercenary."  ll 
cannot  view  it  in  the  same  light  with  that  gentlemarj 
"  Poor  Richard,"  at  its  first  production,  was  dissemi-l 
nated  among  a  people  with  whom  its  maxims  were! 
congenial,  and  did  not  produce  contracted  views,  but! 
confirmed  them.  Its  precepts  are  a  treasure  house  off 
domestic  prudence  and  economy,  to  persons  in  tbel 
situation  of  Americans,  but  have  been  acted  upon  too| 
closely. 


DESCENDANTS  OF  FEL0N3. 


Ill 


Several  Americans,  with  whom  I  conversed,  omitted 

I  not  to  tell  me  that  they  are  the  descendants  of  those 

hiorsecuted  non-conformists  who  first  took  refuge  in  the 

'.vilfls  of  America.      It  appeared   amusing,  that  they 

hhouid  at  this  period  court  and  challenge  an  inquiry  into 

the  circumstances  of  their  forefather's  emigration,  even 

without  any  reference  being  made  by  myself  to  subjects 

jconnected  with  it.     It  is  utterly  im])ossible  that  any 

considerable    number   of  the    present    population    of 

lAiuerica  can  be  the  lineal  descendants  of  criminals, 

transported  originally  for  felony.     Yet  they  seem  to  be 

apprehensive  that  foreigners  regard  them  as  if  they 

Iwerc,  or  as  if  they  had  fled  from  England  at  a  subse- 

Iquent  period,  for  some  punishable  crime.     I  have  no 

inclination  to  charge  any  of  them  with  a  polluted  origin, 

[but  to  consider  them  all  as  the  offspring  and  descendants 

I  of  honourable  men. 

A  professional  gentleman  from  England,  who  had  re- 
Isided  many    years   in  New- York,   declared    to    me, 

It  nothing   offended  Americans   more    than   to  in- 
iqiiire  after   their   family   ornaments,   their  necklaces, 
bracelets,  and  anklets.     That  the  natives  of  a  country 
h)  extensive  and  flourishing  should  feel  much  from  a 
Iqucstion  so  impertinently  foolish,  I  could  not  have  be- 
lieved, had  I  not  observed  their  eagerness  to  be  con- 
jsidcred  as  descendants  from  the  non-conformists.    Were 
I  permitted  to  pursue  the  metaphor,  I  would  say,  that 
the  Americans  have  not  allowed  their  ornaments  to  rust, 
but  have  kept  them  bright  and  furbished ;  although  the 
substance  of  which  they  were  originally  fabricated  has 
not,  from  the  alchemy  of  education  and  sound  princi- 
|ples,  been  conv^erted  into  gold. 

I  was  told  that  a  person  in  the  States,  who  is  dissatin- 
Itied  with  liis  surname,  can  easily  have  it  changed  to 
another  more  suitable  to  his  taste  and  inclinations.     It 
Iwas  a  subject  of  discussion  sometimes,  and  the  infor- 
Imation  I  obtained  was  this,  that  a  person  on  taking  up  his 
[citizenship,  needs  only  go  to  a  particular  office  appropria- 
ted to  this  purpose,  and  having  selected  another  appel- 
lation, get  it  registered  as  his  family  cognomen,  where- 


1 1 


||,1 


i 


*    ' 


112 


CNITED    STATES. 


bv  he  and  his  children  may  be  designated  aftenvard^. 
'this,  if  true,  must  render  the  genealogies  of  families 
extremely  difficult  to  trace  ;  yet  I  must  confess  ihai  li 
is  very  accommodating  to  persons  of  dubious  charactt :. 
to  whom  a  change  of  surname  must  he  a  great  ccjiisidi . 
ration.  I  never  loved  my  musical  name,  and  the  ruM 
time  I  voyage  to  the  States  I  may  choose  to  ha\e  i 
altered. 

The  frequency  of  "  fire  !  fire  !''  being  called  throui;! 
the  streets,  at  first  alarmed  us ;  yet  natives,  and  ci.i 
grants  of  longer  residence  than   we,  were  but   littioi 
apprehensive — custom    had    reconciled    them   to  the 
hazard  of  burnings.     No  day  or  night,  however,  ^).\ 
peared  to  elapse  without  either  a  fire,  or  the  rumtjiir  u; 
one.     I  myself  was  present  at  several,  one  of  whicli 
was  a  church,  which  had  ignited  from  a  stove-pip-, I 
One  regulation  respecting  fire-engines  is,  that  a  jierxii 
from  the  house  of  eveiy  citizen  is  required  to  attciia.l 
the   moment  a  fire-bell   rings,  in  order  to  work  tiiel 
engines.     Foreigners,   not   naturalized,  are  exem])t(ii, 
The  engines  appeared  well  served,  and  under  propir 
management,  although  some  of  the  pipes  were  sauhi 
out  of  order. 

Fires  are  chiefly  confined  to  houses  built  of  woo(i,| 
which,  from  frequent  conflagrations,  are  fast  diministi. 
ing.     When  a  wood  house,  in  some  districts  of  the  cily.| 
has  been  pulled  down  or  burnt,  the  city  inspectors  n- 
quire  that  a  house  of  brick,  stone,  or  marble,  be  erected  I 
in  its  place.     I  was  told  that  many  wood  buiklingj. 
when  favourably  situated  for  business,  and  let  upon  long 
leases,  are  annually  burnt  down  bv  son^c  secret  incendi- 
ary,  employed  by  the  kirtdlord.     He  finds,  in  such  case, 
that  it  is  his  interest  to  accomplish  this  ;  and  his  tenants 
goods   and   stores   are    but  slight  impediments.     The  I 
value  of  ground  lots  has,  in  some  situations,  increased 
so  much  as  to  render  a  wood  tenement  a  matter  ot'  nol 
importance.     The  wood  house  once  burnt  down,  the! 
tenant  finds  himself  obliged  either  to  build  a  fire-prcioij 
house,  or  to  evacuate  his  lease.     In  either  case  ihel 
landlord  is  a  gainer. 


i.i 


VALUE    OF  GROUND  LOTS. 


113 


s  were  sau.v 


Ground  for  building  is  of  more  value,  perhaps,  in  New- 
York  than  in  London.  A  space,  twenty-five  feet  in  front 
and  one  hundred  deep,  in  the  best  situations,  will  always 
realize  to  the  seller  from  twenty  to  forty  thousand  dol- 
lars. A  small  piece  of  ground,  which  possessed  the 
advantage  of  three  frontages,  was  disposed  of  for  no  less 
a  sum  than  nearly  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand  dol- 
lars. 

During  our  outward-bound  voyage  we  heard  much 
of  the  fine  fruits  of  America.  Shortly  after  landing  I 
observed  some  pine-apples  exposed  for  sale,  and  pur- 
chased four  for  a  dollar.  On  tasting  I  found  them  desti- 
I  tute  of  the  luscious  flavour  and  sweetness  which  hot- 
house pines  possess  in  England.  America  may  boast  of 
natural  and  indigenous  fruits  not  found  in  England,  ex- 
cept under  artificial  culture,  but  they  are  hardly  worth 
the  name.  Pines  grow  in  the  West  Indies  only,  or  in 
the  most  southern  parts  of  the  States ;  and  although 
I  they  have  a  fine  scent,  yet  are  not  more  pleasant  to  the 
palate  than  our  garden  turnips.  It  would  seem  that  the 
original  curse  denounced  on  Adam  is  extended  to  every 
resrion,  and  verified  to  every  people.  Without  sweat 
and  labour,  inflicted  by  Heaven  for  disobedience,  no- 
thing in  its  perfection  can  be  enjoyed  by  man.  His 
watchfulness  and  industry  must  every  where  second  the 
|eiforts  of  nature  in  bringing  her  productions  to  maturity. 

No  native  American,  unless  from  absolute  want,  will 
lever  engage  in  the  capacity  of  a  servant.     Menial  offi- 
ces must  all  be  performed  by  others.     To  call  a  free- 
born  republican  a  servant,  would  be  degrading  him  to 
the  level  of  a  slave.     Our  Irish  girl  once  told  us,  after 
hearing  us  speak  of  her  as  our  servant,  that  no  other 
Iperson  but  herself  would  allow  us  to  consider  her  a  ser- 
Ivant.    "  But,"  said  she,  "  you  are  an  English  clergy- 
|man,  and  I  am  an  Irish  girl,  and  you  may,  therefore, 


me  so. 


»> 


Emigrants  from  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  find  prac- 
Itically,  that  distress  in  their  native  country  arises  more 
Ifrom  excess  of  population  than  excess  of  tithes  and  taxes. 
[Wages  in  New- York  a  few  years  ago  were  double  of 


I       1   , 


1 .  I 


li. 


!; 


'^'i 


II . 


Mi 

i      if 


114 


UNITED    STATES. 


what  they  .*re  now;  in  addition  to  this,  provisions. 
house-rent,  and  taxes,  were  considerably  less.  Incronst(i 
[)Opulation  has  occasioned  this.  Personal  exjieriencc  m 
America  is  a  better  relutation  of  fanciful  theories,  than 
rational  deductions  and  cool  calculations  formed  in  En- 
gland. Yet  I  hope  that  the  public  burdens  will  be  ailo- 
viated  by  a  moderate  and  judicious  reform. 

Americans  comjjlain  that  emigrants  have  injured  then! 
by  causinir  redundancy  of  labr>ur,  increase  of  h«ius.. 
rents,  poor  rates,  and  prices  of  provisions,  and  depiceia- 
tion  of  recompense  for  industry.  Emigrants  in  Amc  ric , 
complain  that  they  have  been  enticed  over  bv  tlatterii;, 
.statements,  which  they  often  find  deceptive  and  1al!;i. 
cious.  The  English  aliout  London  make  the  self-sriiTir 
complaints  against  the  Irish  which  ^Vmericans  do  agaiih' 
the  Irish  and  them. 

The  ditierent  degrees  of  perfection  with  which  wnr, 
is  finished  in  England  and  America  is.  as  some  \v.>rl:- 
men  told  me,  sufficiently  annoying  to  English  mechrmiiv 
and  tradesmen.  At  home,  business  and  trades  must 
executed  in  a  workmanlike  manner :  there,  celerity 
more  reiiardcd  than  excellence.  A  skilful  workinr 
and  one  inditlerently  so,  will  find  equal  employment  ; 
e'p'.al  pay,  provided  they  are  erjually  expert.  T 
British  Consul  told  me,  on  one  occasion,  that  the  An,  • 
ricans  can  get  through  more  work  in  a  given  time  thou 
the  English.  '•  I  employed,"  said  he,  '•  an  Englishmai. 
ti)  furnish  me  with  a  })lan  and  estimate  of  somethiniil 
wished  to  have  done.  After  a  jtt'riod  of  three  wcf'k< 
ho  tendered  them.  Had  I  employed  an  American.  Iioiti 
the  plan  and  the  work  would  haxe  been  finished  in ;i 
shorter  time.  The  American  improvement  on  the  Er.- 
glish  augur  is  itself  an  immense  saving  of  time  and  h- 
hour."  •'  Perhaps,"  said  I,  "  Americans  would  perllni.: 
the  work  more  slightly  than  an  Englishman."  Thtv 
would  do  it  well  enough,"  was  his  answer. 

The  Americans,  in  person,  are  generally  slender. ani 
very  active.  They  pass  through  the  streets  with  iironi 
agility  and  haste ;  if  they  perform  labour  with  equal  di-'- 
patch,  it  must  be  rapidly  accomplished.    Americans 


tin'. 


BriLDixns. 


115 


ippoar  to  possess  their  full  sharo  of  natural  cmlow- 
nvnts.  When  their  civil  institutions  shall  have  heen 
placed  on  a  more  liberal  footinf,^  and  an  increase  of 
wealth  and  independence  shall  havrronfeired  additional 
i'isure  for  polite  and  eleijant  learninL',  they  will  doubt- 
loss  improve  in  the  embellishments  of  liie,  and  raise  thtvir 
(>iuntry  to  a  respectable  rank  amonL""  retined  natirms. 
The  present  ireneration.  however,  is  tiir  Ix-hind.  and  im- 
provement must  be  slow. 

Some  of  the  public  and  )»rivate  buildincrs  f»f  Nevv- 
Vork  are  handsome,  but  none  stupendous,  far  less  maa:- 
niticent.  The  wiiite  marble,  which  their  c<»untry  fur- 
ni>;hes  in  profusion,  is  very  ornamental,  and  adds  irrar-o 
iiid  beauty  to  their  city  :  yet  a  person  acquainted  with 
London  finds  nothini;:'  peculiar  in  the  architecture  of  the 
States.  exce}>t — W(X)d  buildinpfs.  JoLi-houses,  and  shan- 
ties. 

Dr.  Word,  an  eminent  physician,  and  superintendant 
of  the  poor-house,  called  upon  us  before  oui*  de})arture 
for  Canada,  and  conveyed  us  in  his  carriace  to  the  })lace 
assicrned  for  juvenile  delinquents.  I  never  saw  any  place 
ill  better  order,  or  more  conveniently  iiianaaed.  There 
IS  no  great  severity  infiicted  on  the  culprits,  the  object 


noing  rather  to  guard  them  from  further  contamination. 
In'  proper  instructions,  moderate  laliour,  and  dciention 
from  the  sight  and  hearing  of  vice  or  lewdness.  The 
doctor  afterwards  conducted  us  to  the  work-house,  and 
noor-house,  in  whi(.'h,  during  the  previous  winter,  twenty- 
five  hundred  paupers  had  ibund  relief  and  shelter.  After 
dining  with  the  Doctor  we  all  went,  in  a  boat  belonging 
to  the  establishment,  to  the  prison  on  Blackwell's  Island, 
lin'ough  w^hich  W'C  were  shown.  A  plainness,  a  simpli- 
city, and  a  cleanliness,  pervade  all  these  [daces,  which 
elicit  the  admiration  of  visitors.  The  plan  on  which 
they  are  conducted  is  described  as  adinirable,  by  per- 
sons who  are  more  conversant  than  myself  with  such 
institutions. 

The  poor  and  outraged  Indian*  were  sometimes  spok- 
en of  as  presenting  an  impediment  to  national  improve- 
ments.    It  was  considered  as  desirable  (and  desirable 


k  ■ 
1 


^■' 


i'« 


1 


/  ■ , 


I 


'S  'i 


1 1 


! 


,!'![ 


■* 


116 


UNITED  STATES. 


I  I  .    I 


in  American  estimation  means  right)  to  banish  these 
aborigines  from  the  midst  of  civiHzation  to  the  western 
forests.  There  is  something  in  the  logic  of  Americans 
so  unnatural,  and  so  devoid  of  generosity,  that  the  mind 
recoils  from  contemplating  it.  I  once  ventured  to  ques- 
tion the  justice  of  depriving  Indians  of  their  lands,  but 
was  answered,  •'  They  had  sold  them."  I  replied  that 
they  had  parted  with  them  from  compulsion,  and  was 
answered,  "  They  had  received  an  equivalent."  I  ob- 
served, that  the  Indians  had  considered  the  matter  dif- 
ferently, and  had  taken  up  arms,  and  was  answered 
"  The  Americans  possessed  proof  that  the  Indians  had 
been  instigated  and  encouraged  by  the  Governor  of  Up- 
j)er  Canada."  I  replied  with  warmth  that  such  accu- 
sation was  unfounded,  and  was  answered  by  an  old 
American  that  I  had  uttered  a  lie,  and  reviled  their 
country,  and  that  he  consequently  regarded  me  as  no 
better  than  the  dust  under  his  feet. 

The  rejection  by  Americans  of  the  awarded  bound- 
ary line  between  their  country  and  Canada,  was  singu- 
larly defended  by  some.  The  King  of  Holland,  they 
said,  had  not  properly  decided  it,  because  he  wished  to 
secure  some  favour  from  England  by  an  unjust  decree. 
He  had  not  settled  the  question  proposed  to  him,  since 
he  was  only  an  arbiter  of  boundary  lines  already  mark- 
ed out  and  claimed,  and  had  not  been  authorized  to  draw 
another.  Had  he  even  decided  the  question,  according 
to  the  arbitration  he  received,  yet  the  state  of  Maine 
had  never  consented  to  suffer  a  partition,  and  would  re- 
ject any  sentence  which  displeased  itself.  "  I  thought," 
said  I,  "  that  the  King  of  Holland  had  been  named  as 
arbiter,  by  an  act  of  Congress  ?"  "  By  the  President,'' 
1  was  answered,  "  and  the  delegates  of  a  few  of  the 
States;  but  those  of  Maine  were  not  parties  to  it." 
"  Then  an  act  of  Congress,"  observed  I,  "  is  not  binding  ?" 
"  No  act  of  the  general  legislation,"  I  was  answered, 
"  can  interfere  with  the  internal  regulations,  or  the  boun- 
daries of  any  separate  State,  since  each  State  is  free 
and  independent." 

"  It  would  appear  from  such  reasoning,"  I  rejoined, 


y  i 


i<  I 


Mil)        i    . 


BOUNDARY   LINE. 


117 


•  that  no  dependence  can  be  securely  placed  on  the 
honour  of  the  country,  where  the  interests  of  any  State 
;ire  concerned  or  interfered  with  T'  To  which  this  con- 
clusive answer  was  returned  : — "  If  Enuland  ex})ects 
Maine  to  surrender  a  portion  of  its  territory,  she  must 
iuake  it  a  compensation."  Here  ended  the  argument, 
iiiid  a  conviction,  from  this  and  other  reasoning,  rested 
1)11  mv  mind,  that  no  treatv  will  bind  anv  individual 
State  of  that  countn',  nor  the  countrv  generally,  where 
interest  suggests  a  violation. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


rded  bound- 


Joiirne}'  to  Niagara — Accident  in  a  Steamboat — Albany — Ameri- 
caa  travelling — .Mode  of  location — Inns — Beautiful  scenery — 
Koads — Two  female  passengers — Methodist  Preachers — Ancient 
banks  of  Lake  Ontario — Niagara  Falls — An  eccentric  English 
Gentleman  precipitated  down  the  Cataract — A  solitary  female. 

With  the  consul's  introduction,  my  letters  of  onlers, 
;in(l  several  testimonials  I  had  lately  obtained  from  En- 
.'land.  I  embarked  on  board  a  steamboat  for  Albany,  the 
I  capital  of  New-York  State.  This  was  on  the  sixteenth 
of  April.  Another  steamboat,  of  a  greater  power  and 
a  faster  sailer,  left  New- York  after  us,  and  overtook  us 
before  we  had  ascended  the  river  many  miles.  The 
captain  of  the  steamboat  I  was  in,  boasted  manfully,  tliat 
his  was  incomparably  the  speedier  vessel,  and  that  he 
could  leave  the  other  at  any  distance  he  chose.  In  short, 
he  was  only  waiting  for  her  arrival  in  order  to  give  her 
a  fair  trial,  by  putting  on  all  his  steam.  As  she  ap- 
proached, which  she  did  with  an  imposing  rapidity,  he 
foolishly  and  unfairly  crossed  her  course,  that  he  might 
hinder  her  from  passing.  This  manoeuvre  he  repeated, 
until  the  captain  of  the  other  perceiving  himself  wilfully 
obstructed  without  provocation,  ordered  his  helmsman 
to  direct  his  prow  against  the  broadside  of  his  opposer. 


(  r  > 


'5 


c 


I    t    » 


r  !  1 


118 


UNITBD  STATES. 


The  crash  that  followed  was  tremendous,  and  carried 
away  the  railwork  of  half  the  side,  as  well  as  the  boat  of 
our  vessel.  Bars  of  iron,  an  inch  in  thickness,  were  bent 
and  twisted  like  slender  wires.  A  few  reproaclies  of 
unfairness  on  the  one  hand,  and  a  few  threats  of  action 
for  damages  on  the  other,  terminated  this  foolish  reiicijn- 
tre.  The  passengers  of  the  victorious  boat  gave  utte- 
ranee  to  their  sense  of  the  bravery  of  the  captain,  and 
the  superiority  of  their  boat ;  then  passed  triumphantlv 
before  us,  and  we  saw  them  no  more  till  our  arrival  ai 
Albany.  Some  of  the  passengers  of  our  vessel  encour- 
aged the  captain  to  retaliate ;  but,  from  prudence  or  cow- 
ardice, he  declined.  Similar  amusements  to  those  men- 
tioned in  my  voyage  to  Boston  were  resorted  to,  as  soori 
as  darkness  covered  the  landscape.  The  beauties  of  tht 
Hudson  have  often  been  celebrated,  but  not  above  their 
merit.  All  ice  and  snow  had  disappeared  at  New- York. 
before  I  left  it ;  but  on  our  approaching  Albany,  a  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  large  masses  oi 
both  presented  themselves. 

The  consul  had  mentioned  my  name  to  a  gentleman 
of  this  city,  dnd  requested  me  to  call  on  him ;  which  1 1 
did.     I  found  the  same  disposition  to  oblige  and  gratih, 
which  I  had  observed  elsewhere ;  and  am  persuaded. 
that  the  really  respectable  are  as  much  in  advance,  as  | 
the  other  classes  are  in  arrear,  of  the  ci\il  institutions 
of  the  country.     Among  other  places,  he  showed  me  I 
the  capital,  the  State  House,  &c.  &c.  and  introduced 
me  to  some  of  the  members  of  the  State  legislation,  | 
The  youthful   appearance  of  many  of  the   legislator? 
struck  me  with  surprise.     Some  of  them  could  not. ill 
one  may  judge  from  appearance,  be  much  above  twenty 
years  of  age.     A  majority  of  them  are  lawyers  by  pro- 
fession.    A  newly  invented  instrument  for  ascertainim 
the  purity  of  oil  was  placed  in  one  of  the  windows:  it 
was  considered  a  useful  invention,  and  its  accuracy  had 

*'  I 

been  proved  satisfactorily  by  successive  experiments. 
Oil  being  light,  the  same  instrument  which  would  siiili 
in  it,  would  float  in  other  substances  of  greater  specific  | 
gravity. 


hi    } 

hi    & 


AMERICAN    TRAVELLING. 


110 


From  Albany  1  travelled  to  Schenectady,  over  a  rail- 
road not  then  finished,  but  which  allowed  of  steam- 
•arriages  going  one  way  at  a  time ;  they  could  not  pass 
•  ach  other  on  the  road,  as  but  one  set  of  rails  had  been 
laid.  This  was  the  easiest  and  pleasantest  part  of  my 
land  journey,  and  about  seventeen  miles.  American 
roads  are  such,  I  imagine,  as  English  travellers  have 
seldom  seen  elsewhere.  Their  coaches,  also,  are  very 
inferior  vehicles  when  compared  with  ours ;  the  sides 
are  not  pannelled,  but  open,  and  have  pieces  of  leather, 
curtains,  which  serve  as  weather-screans,  and  are 
I  let  down  and  rolled  up  at  pleasure.  There  are  no  out- 
side passengers,  except  on  the  rail-road,  and  these  all 
pay  alike. 

A  young  lawyer,  a  relation  to  the  episcopal  Bishop 
I  of  New- York,  was  my  companion  from  this  place  to 
[tic  Falls  of  Niagara.  He  was  proceeding  to  Buffalo, 
where  he  purposed  to  establish  himself,  unless  he  should 
m  so  fortunate  as  to  discover,  at  some  village  or  town 
iil)on  the  road,  an  opening  for  professional  gentlemen 
like  himself.  His  mode  of  proceeding,  illustrative  of 
ihc  manners  of  his  countrymen,  it  will  be  proper  to  de- 
I  scribe. 

At  every  town  or  village  we  passed  through,  where 
la  short  interruption  took  place,  he  made  a  hasty  call  at 
Isome  of  the  stores  or  inns,  to  inquire  how  many  law- 
Ivers  were  in  the  place,  and  how  many  people  inhabited 
jit ;  and  drew  his  conclusion  thence  of  the  probability  of 
Ian  opening  for  additional  lawyers.  At  most  of  the 
jplaces  thi'ough  which  we  passed,  he  declared  there  were 
[already  more  lawyers  than  could  gain  an  honest  liveli- 
hood ;  he  must,  consequently,  move  forward.  He  was 
laking  such  inquiries,  nol  for  himself  merely,  but  for  a 
^oung  friend  also,  who  had  not  entered  on  his  travels, 
md  to  whom  he  had  promised  to  transmit  the  result  of 
his  inquiries,  on  his  anival  at  his  final  destination.  He 
had  once  before  been  to  Buffalo,  a  place  he  much  ad- 
ored, as  it  was  beautiful,  wealthy,  improving,  and 
i^ould  soon  be  an  extensive  city.  It  afforded  openings 
tfor  lawyers,  he  said,  and  he  believed  for  gentlemen  of 


(  , 


(      1 


i'il 


^^! 


i./ 


i  ■ 


'\'l 


I    ' 


! 


l\\ 


11 


120 


IMTED   STATES. 


Other  ))rotessions.  uho  might  be  tempted  to  try  it :  arnl 
he  advised  me  to  aceomp.iny  him,  and  try  my  loituii*. 
Whether  he  was  aetually  in  earnest  respcLtint:  .siu.ti 
infjiuries,  1  will  not  take  ujxm  me  to  decide ;  hut  this  i^ 
the  general  practiec  of  American  emigrants,  as  related 
by  others.     I  declined  the  trial  he  suggested,  since  mv 
immediate  object  was  a  visit  to  Canada,  in  order  to  wojt 
upon  the  Bishop.     If  unsuccessful  in  that  quarter,  my  iii. 
tention  was  to  make  an  extensive  journey  through  Caiiau;! 
and  the  States,  and  then  return  to  England.     For  iii 
own  sake,  I  may  say  1  felt  glad  at  his  successive  failui'.«,| 
as  he  was  the  most  amusing  companion  I  had  met  ww 
in  America,  and  his   societv  beguiled  the  tedium  of;,! 
long  journey. 

Most  of  the  inns  on  the  road  were  well  suyiplied  v,[va 
food    a!id  fuel,  and  }ire vented  me  Irom  feeling  tlio^ 
numerous   privations  of  which  travellers  in  Aniorical 
have  often  com]»lained.     The  beds  were  comfortaL!o-| 
much  better  than  some  1  met  with  in  Canadian  inns — yr 
not  like  English  beds.     The  attendance,  also,  of  servanis 
was  not  much  to  bo  coini)lained  of;  for  the  Aniericaii| 
manners  were  in  these  inns  softened  down,  by  the  fiv- 
quency  of  tra\'ellers.     The  charges,  also,  were  not  ex- 
travagant, as  in  some  places  of  Canada,  either  for  lt(l| 
or  board ;  and  no  obsequious  waiter  came  forward  tj 
request   we    would    remember   him.     Coach-hire,  aiiil 
conveyance  of  every  (.lescriptif.m,  is  more  moderate  on 
the  American  than  on  the  Canadian  side.     These  prai!«o< 
cannot  be  denied  to  Americans :  they  enjoy,  it  is  iiil 
consequence,  probably,  of  their  being  more  desenin:,| 
a  greater  trafHc,  and  more  passengers  of  respectfibility. 
even  for  Canada,  than  irequent  the  British  side  of  tfc 
lake.     An  English  fjentleman,  who  returned  a  cabiri! 
passenger  in  the  same  ship  with  us,  described  the  Anie-j 
rican  inns  as  palaces,  and  the  Canadian  as  infernal  re- 1 
ceptacles  of  plundered  travellers.     If  I  should  go  halil 
his  length  in  praise  and  condemnation,  the  picture  wouldl 
be  more  correct.     I  am  greatly  concerned  that,  althoiiglil 
I  love  Canada  and  its  people,  I  cannot  asiscrt  that  lii^l 
description  is  entirely  unfounded.     I  hope  the  Canadians  I 


l> 


III: 


'■    <     1 


i!iii 


1  ■  > 

I  I 


BEAUTIFUL    SCENERY. 


121 


will  adopt  for  their  own  sakcs,  at  least,  better  and  less 
txpeiisive  reu^iila Lions  •  ami  evince  their  desire  of  pleas- 
ini;.  by  improved  aeconnni<jdati(jns,  and  more  moderate 
char:,'es. 

Our  journey  aloni,^  the  risinfj  nrrounds  aljove  the  ]Mo- 
h;i\vk  river  was  exce  ainu:!y  dcliurhtful,  Inun  the  beauty 
of  the  scenery  around.  The  undulations  on  the  face  of 
die  country,  the  mountains,  valh.'ys,  rivers,  plains,  and 
forests,  appearini^  in  su'^ccssion  before  us,  were  ever 
l•h;u•lninl^^  ever  n(!W.  The  Dutch,  who  are  not  reufjwn- 
eil  for  taste  or  elei^ance,  have  contrived,  wherever  tin3y 
luoate  themselves,  to  select  and  ap))ropriate  the  most 
heautiful  and  tortile  places.  The  lowlands,  borderini^ 
on  this  river,  were  descrilu'd  as  l)eloni:inn'  principally  to 
Dutch  farmers,  grown  wealthy  by  the  increased  vakui 
(if  lauds,  antl  their  industrious  and  frui^al  habits. 

The  liittle  Falls,  a  villai^-e  on  the  Mohawk,  is  one  of 
the  most  deli.i^dithil  and  lo\ely  ])laces  1  ever  saw.  Tlie 
scenery  of  the  surrounding  rocks  and  steeps,  its  acque- 
(kict,  bridge,  and  waters,  and  the  roiuantic  position  of 
its  canal,  with  flu;  v;dley  bt;low,  mock  aM  description. 

The  worst  iVmerican  road  over  wliich  I  travelled  was 
aloiu-;  the  end  ot"  ^Seneca  Lake,  through  CiCiieva,  and  to 
Cimandaigua ;  the  last  lifteen  miles  of  which  occupied 
five  h(»urs  and  a  half.  American  roads  are  always 
dreadt'ul,  at  the  disappearance  of  frost.  The  br^;aks 
and  holes  were  so  deep  in  some  places,  and  so  frecjuent, 
as  10  threaten  destruction  to  the  coach,  and  dislocation 
to  our  limbs.  The  coach  stuck  fast  several  times,  and 
nothing  short  of  the  most  strenuous  exertions  and  whip- 
pings of  the  driver  ccild  have  got  it  out.  American 
coaches  are  gen'^Tally  constructed  with  three  benciies 
each,  every  one  of  which  is  capable  of  holding  three 
passengers.  There  were  four  passengers  in  the  coacJi 
wejournied  in,  which  we  found  too  few  for  comfort. 
Vv'^licn  the  coach  rocked  backwards  and  forwards  in 
deep  places,  the  passengers  were  dodged  against  each 
other  with  great  violence,  and  each  of  us  suftered  several 
contusions.     I  cannot  deny  that  where  we  had  more 


i<« 


/. 


'i 


./) 


'        1 

■ 

:,■'   ^  t 

(i 

I  1 

.' 

I'! 


>'! 


r 


!|-f 


J 


I  < 


'f  .     !. 


.1    11*: 


122 


X'laTED  STATES. 


of  jostling  we  had  more  of  mirth ;   for  it  was  quite 
impossible  to  refrain  from  laughter. 

There  was  a  kind  of  road  formed,  by  round  logs  of 
wood  laid  across,  over  which  the  coach  passed  with 
rapid  vaults  from  one  to  another.  This  was  the  most 
unpleasant,  motion  I  ever  felt.  Such  roads  are  deno- 
minated by  the  natives;  "  ribbed  or  corduroy  roads,"  an 
appellation  not  ill  chosen. 

At  Rochester,  my  companion,  after  making  his  usual 
inquiries  about  the  number  of  lawyers,  accompanied  nu 
to  the  falls.  He  pointed  out  the  position  of  the  roc';. 
whence  Sam  Patch  took  his  final  leap.  There  is  uii 
aqueduct  over  the  river  eight  hundrod  feet  long. 

At  iiockport,  the  frost  of  the  |)receding  winter,  ana 
the  tliaw  and  floods  before  our  arrival,  had  damaged  ti? 
C[uial  so  much  that  it  required  great  r'  pairs.  ]\f any  riui! 
were  employed  on  it.  The  .American  canal,  like  \\\u^~\ 
of  their  works  not  executed  bv  Englishmen  altogether, 
is  not  so  substantial  as  miuht  be  wished,  and  recaiiri:: 

V.J  '  i 

rej)a iring  continually. 

From  Lockport  we  travelled  by  coach  to  Lewiston, 
on  the  American  side,  and  thence  to  Manchester,  sever 
miles  larthcr,  and  close  to  the  Falls. 

On  leaving  Lockport,  two  yoicng  girls  were  admit ti\! 
into  the  coach,  rather  singular  in  their  dress  and  Huhi- 
ners.  They  were  also  more  free  in  conversation,  jmi 
with  less  of  reserve,  than  anv  American  women  1  It;.! 
seen  before.  These  Anuuicans  alighted  at  the  hrt^t  'wm 
they  came  to,  for  the  pur])ose  of  warming  themselves, 
My  companion,  whose  curiosity  and  suspicions  wciu 
more  acute  than  mine,  expivssed  his  sentiments  to  h\ 
that  t>ur  icmalc  fellow  travellers  were  not  of  gex"! 
reputation ;  and  stepj^ed  into  the  inn  after  them  to  iimki' 
imjuiries.  I  lelt  much  at  .a,  loss  to  distinguish  any  \m- 
ticular  criterion  from  which  my  amusing  friend  could 
have  drawn  })rognosticatie>ns  so  unfavourable  to  tlieir 
character'.  Nothing  escaj)ed  them,  which  could  liavc 
excitcnl  in  me  such  surmise  or  conclusion.  He  soon  re- 
turned with  the  intbrmation  that  they  were  what  he 
expected,  and  that  the  neighbourhood  abounded  with 


i.        1  ( 


!      i   . 
I      1   f 


METHODIST   PREACHKUS. 


123 


similar  characters.  This  was  the  only  instance,  in  all 
my  rambles  through  America,  in  which  female  behaviour 
or  language  met  my  observation,  betraying  a  departure 
from  strict  reserve  ;  and  the  departure  in  this  instance 
was  of  such  a  nature,  as  to  awaken  no  suspicions  in  a 
stranger's  mind. 

A  young  methodist  preacher,  from  the  Eastern  States, 
joined  us  here.  He  was  on  his  road  to  Canada  to  buy 
some  land,  and  was  prepared  for  teaching  either  religion 
or  ])olitics.  He  talked  a  great  deal  about  scripture,  of 
vviiich  he  really  knew  nothing,  and  made  so  many  quo- 
tations from  the  Bible  inapplicable  to  his  arguments  (if 
mere  rant  deserves  that  name),  that  were  I  a  perfect 
novice  in  revelation,  and  merely  a  sceptical  inquirer  after 
truth,  he  might  have  converted  me  into  an  Atheist. 
After  a  short  conversation  with  him,  and  a  number  of 
questions  relative  to  the  signification  of  ditlc'rent  passa- 
^.cs,  and  one  or  two  requests  that  he  would  reconcile 
lioine  apparent  inconsistencies  of  Scripture,  he  got  such 
nil  insigiit  into  himself  as  struck  him  s])occiiless,  and  sat 
fixed  up  in  a  corner  for  a  long  time.  He  was  for  from 
the  only  instance  of  methodistical  intrusion  and  misgui- 
ded enthusiasm  (if  crafty  sellishncss,  under  the  sem- 
hlance  of  extraordinary  piety,  deserves  the  ntune),  with 
which  I  met  in  America.  INIany  of  his  misinformed 
''.tornity  were  uttering  unintelligible  mysteries,  in 
iiK.'ohorcnt  language  and  inapj)licable  terms,  wiiich  were 
shocking  and  disgusting  to  men  of  sober  and  well  in- 
furmed  minds.  But  I  had  long  before  this  observed  the 
>'a])orlicial  learning  of  the  best  educated  among  the 
American  ])opul*ition.  After  any  ranter  had  used  an 
improper  expression,  or  made  an  inconclusive  quotation, 
I  hogged  him  to  explain  himself,  and  point  out  the  just- 
ness of  his  inferences.  Such  incoherent  and  absurd 
expressions  'vere  hereby  instantly  sus})ended  ;  for  none 
I  met  with  could  explain  himself,  or  discuss  religious 
suhjocts  without  extravagant  metaphors.  In  less  than 
five  minutes,  in  every  case,  and  mostly  in  less  than  one, 
we  were  all  as  mute  and  melancholy  as  if  we  had  just 
emerged  from  tlie  cave  of  Trophonius. 


I       1 


I 


■  V 


f    ' ' 

1 

1     [ 

* 

i    ■ 

1    •  ' 

'■.   f 

I  . 


I 


'■  I 


I 

f 


1  i' 


<U' 


124 


UNITED  STATES. 


The  only  way  in  which  retaHation  for  such  imposed 
silence  was  inflicted,  was  by  gettini^  one  or  two  to  join 
in  some  hymns  or  sacred  songs.     These  admitted  of  no 
argumentative  interruptions,  and  served  the  interest  of 
the  preacher,  by  cloaking  the  sterility  of  his  knowledge 
from  vulgar  observation.     More  than  once  have  I  been 
annoyed,   and    yet   laughed    heartily,   at    this    skilful 
manoeuvre.     In  a  few  minutes,  frequently,  the  silence 
iias  ended  in  obstreperous  music,  risible  yet  oflfcnsive, 
from  the  reason  of  its  adoption  and  its  solenm  nature. 
The  young  preacher  I  have  meniioned,  after  havinfr 
shruni:   abashed   into  muteness  of  some   continuance, 
collected  sufficient  courage  and  self-possession  to  sjieak 
again :  and  jirofiered  us  tlie  option  of  Wesley's  Hyinns 
or  Yankee-doodle.     IMy  coin])anion  and  1  were  amusinn' 
oin'sclves  in  talking,  and  were  suddenly  speechless  in 
our  turn,  from  so  singular  an  oflbr.     He  ".onstrucd  our 
silence  into  approval,  and  as  there  was  a  jjoor  woman 
who  had  just  entered,  seated  on  one  side,  lie  quickly 
sounded  her  J'eelings,  and  j^revailed  on  her  to  join  liiin. 
These  two,  and  the  other  iemales  also,  e.'^tecmed  their 
jirivilcge  of  singing  equaUy  extensive  with  our  right  to 
converse,  and  made  the  coach  resound  and  re-echo  with 
soni!:s  and  hvmns.     We  made  a  few  ineflectual  cfiorts 
to  ])rf)cui'e  a  discontinuance,  and  then  I'cluctantly  sub- 
mitted, till  their  humour  was  gratified,  and  they  thuughl 
proper  to  desist. 

This  American  methodist  I  discovered  to  be  desirous 
of  being  present  at  some  jiolitical  meetings  in  Canada, 
respecting  elections,  imdpetitioiis  from  the  adherents  of 
Mr.  M'Kenzie.  He  was  also  7,ealously  desirous  to 
preach  the  Gospel.  Most  of  tlie  methodist  ])]'eachcrs 
in  Canada  are  irom  the  States,  and  have  a  uoublo  ob- 
ject ;  they  ostensibly  minister  in  sacred  offices,  but  se- 
cretly and  eflectively  (Hsseminaic  ])rinciples  destructive 
of  the  present  order  of  aflairs.  They  are  striving  to 
accomplish  in  the  British  ])rovinces  what  American 
skill  and  prowess  unavailingly  essayed.  They  are  con- 
certing schemes  for  the  exi)ulsion  of  English  influence, 
and  the  cstablislimcnt  of  republican  institutions  and 


1.1 


il    i'! 


It  I  f       b' 


> '  i 


ANCIENT  BANKS  OF  LAKE  ONTARIO. 


125 


plans  of  government.  Persons  from  Ireland,  residing 
in  the  States,  more  than  once  assured  me,  that  much  of 
the  money  subscribed  for  the  purposes  of  Mr.  O'Con- 
nell,  was  transmitted  from  America.  I  was  also  told 
that  Mr.  M'Kcnzie,  and  several  others  of  his  political 
inends,  were  in  the  pay  of  Americans.  Yet  so  deep-, 
rooted  is  Canadian  aversion  to  Amei'ican  cunning  and 
dishonesty,  and  so  apprehensive  are  Canadians  of  Yan- 
kee imposture  and  deception,  that  republican  attempts 
have  hitherto  met,  and  I  hope  always  will  meet,  with 
most  signal  and  triumphant  oi)position.  These  remarks 
have  arisen  irom  the  conduct  of  our  ranting,  singing, 
electioneering  preacher,  and  were  justified  and  corrobo- 
rated by  many  further  observations  in  the  States  and  in 
Canada. 

We  arrived  at  Lewiston  about  midnight,  a  village 
liirectly  opposite  to  Queenston  in  Canada,  and  located 
at  the  foot  or  termination  of  the  mountain  lidge,  or  allu- 
vial way,  and  at  the  head  of  the  navigation  on  the  Nia- 
srara  river.  A  ferry  is  established  between  this  place 
ind  Queenston.  "  This  mountain  rids^e,  or  alluvial 
my,  extends  along  the  south  shore  (and  a  correspond- 
[  ing  one  of  similar  description  along  the  north,  or  Cana- 
I  dian  shore,)  of  Lake  Ontario,  from  the  Genesee  river  at 
Rochester  to  Niagara  river,  a  distance  of  about  eighty 
miles.  The  road  is  handsomely  arched  in  the  centre, 
and  is  generally  Irom  four  to  eight  rods  wide.  In  some 
places  it  is  elevated  one  hundred  and  twenty  or  thirty 
teet  above  the  level  of  the  lake,  from  which  it  is  distant 
from  six  to  ten  miles.  The  last  forty  miles  of  our  jour- 
ney from  Rochester  to  Lewiston,  along  this  natural 
highway,  is  broken  for  a  considerable  extent  by  log- 
roads  or  causeways,  bordered  by  impervious  forests, 
occasionally  relieved  by  the  temporary  huts  of  the  re- 
cent settlers ;  but  the  remaining  distance  is  unusually 
level,  and,  with  some  intermissions,  bordered  by  a  line  of 
cultivation.  It  is  generally  believed  that  this  was  once 
the  southern  (and  that  on  the  Canadian  side  the  north- 
ern) boundary  of  the  lake  ;  and  that  the  ridge  was  oc- 
casioned by  the  action  of  the  water.     The  gravel  and 


'  1 


/ '»:] 


1 

'!i 

; 

:  \ ' 

' 

:,'  ' 

J! 

1  ■ 
1 

'' 

'  ' 

• 

>l 


u   • 


I, 


[    'i 


126 


UMTED    STATES. 


.smooth  stones  of  which  the  ridge  is  composed,  inter- 
mingled  with  a  great  variety  of  shells,  leave  little  rooiii 
to  doubt  the  correctness  of  this  opinion.  It  is  a  grcai 
natural  curiosity,  and  should  he  travelled  over  by  the 
tourist,  in  going  to  or  returning  from  the  Falls. 

"  DeviPa  Hole,  three  and  a  half  miles  irom  Lewiston,'" 
to  continue  the  brief  words  of  the  Guide  Book,  which 
l)est  expresses  my  own  remarks,  "  is  a  most  terrific 
gnlpli,  formed  l)y  a  chasm  in  the  eastern  bank  of  the 
Ningara,  one  hundred  nnd  fifty  or  two  hundred  feci 
deep.  An  angle  of  this  gulph  is  within  a  few  feet  of 
the  rond,  affording  to  the  passing  traveller,  without 
alighting,  an  opportunity  of  looking  into  the  yawning 
abyss  beneath.  During  the  French  war,  a  detachment 
of  the  British  armv,  while  retreatinii:  from  Sclilosscr  in 
the  night,  before  a  su])ei'ior  force  of  French  and  Indian?, 
were  (lestroyed  at  this  jilccc ;  officers,  soldiers,  women. 
and  children,  with  their  horses,  waggons,  bt.ggage,  &c.. 
were  all  precipitated  down  the  gulph.  Those  who  were 
not  drowned  in  the  river,  were  dashed  in  pieces  on  the 
naked  rocks. 

"  Tiic  Whirlpool,  which  is  formed  by  a  short  tura  in 
the  river,  is  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  Falls  ;  and  a 
mile  nearer  there  is  a  sulphur  spring,  used  principally 
for  bathing." 

We  at  last  reached  the  Falls.  I  saw  them  first  on 
tlie  American  side.  The  mind  of  Europeans  has  been 
stimulated,  from  descriptions  and  pictures  of  Niagara 
Falls,  to  anticipations  of  something  wonderful ;  and  is 
not  disappointed  on  seeing  them.  They  are  utterly  be- 
yond any  description  wdiich  can  be  conveyed  by  words. 
I  did  not,  however,  weep  on  first  beholding  them,  as 
some  have  done  ;  but  regarded  them  steadily,  and  with 
tearless  optics.  There  was  much  of  snow  and  ice  still 
around  them,  although  it  was  the  23rd  of  April.  The 
young  gentleman  who  had  been  so  long  my  companion. 
still  accompanied  mo.  He  had  spent  some  time  here, 
on  his  former  visit  to  Buffalo ;  and  was  acquainted  with 
the  localities  of  the  place,  and  the  points  where  the  best 
viev/s  may  be  obtained.    We  went  round  Goat  Island, 


Mi 


ECCENTRIC  GENTLEMAN SOLITARY  FEMALE. 


127 


to  enjoy  a  view  of  tlie  rapids  abo\c  the  Falls,  which 
arc  themselves  wonderful,  and  resemble  waves  dju-hing 
over  rocks  on  tho  shore  of  the  ocean ;  only  they  are 
licrc  continuous  and  uninterrupted. 

At  Niagara  and  Rochester  Falls,  from  the  sun  shining 
bri.irht  when  I  saw  them,  were  brilliant  rainbows.  The 
one  at  Niagara  was  more  splendid  than  I  over  saw  in 
the  clouds ;  but  very  diminutive,  its  span  being  not 
inorc  than  forty  or  lifty  yards. 

1  was  told,  that  an  English  gentleman  of  the  nainc  of 
Abbot,  most  eccentric  in  his  habits,  and  somewhat  dc- 
raiiL^ed  in  his  intellect,  and  who  had  escaped  Irom  the 
guardianship  of  his  friends,  resided  for  years  by  himself 
in  a  hut  on  Goat  Island.  This  hut  or  liermitage,  in 
which  he  lived,  was  pointed  out  to  me.  He  used  fre- 
quently to  undress  himself,  and  bathe  in  the  rapids  above 
the  Falls.  He  also  would  often,  for  a  length  of  time  to- 
uother,  walk  backwards  and  forwards  on  a  dangerous 
bridge  thrown  over  loose  rocks  in  the  rapids,  with  its 
extreme  point,  a  single  beam  of  timber,  projecting  over 
the  brink  of  this  tremendous  cataract.  After  having 
exercised  himself  in  this  manner  for  a  while,  he  would 
walk  to  the  end  of  the  beam,  and  having  secured  him- 
self by  liis  feet,  hang  with  his  head  downwards,  and 
look  steadfastly  on  the  dread  abyss  beneatli  him.  This 
solitary,  singular,  and  hazardous  existence  he  long  con- 
tinued. His  hat  and  parts  of  his  otlier  dress,  were  ob- 
served one  day  deposited  on  the  bank,  at  a  place  where 
he  was  wont  to  enter  the  water  f«jr  the  purpose  of  bath- 
ing ;  but  himt.v3lf  had  disappeared.  Search  was  made 
for  liim,  but  in  vain.  His  body  was  found  long  after- 
wards considerably  below  ;  and  having  been  identified 
obtained  interment. 

At  a  subsequent  period,  Mrs.  F.  and  myself,  visited 
this  person's  hermitage  on  Goat  Island.  We  found  the 
door  open,  and  we  entered.  The  hut  was  exceedingly 
neat,  and  every  thing  in  order.  But  we  found  a  lone 
find  solitary  being,  a  female,  the  occupant  of  his  cell. 
Her  vacant  stare,  when  we  entered,  and  her  precipitate 
retreat  to  an  inner  apartincnt,  excited  strongly  ourcu- 


ll.iJi 


1    ! 


j     ! 

I     1' 


.  i    ,    .■  I 


% 

■   '■  ) 


133 


UNITED  STATES. 


riosity  to  prosecute  inquiries.  We  followed  to  the  par- 
tition door,  and  knocked ;  after  considerable  hesitation 
and  assurances  from  us  that  no  molestation  was  intended, 
she  partially  re-opened  it.  Whether  from  fear  at  the 
sight  of  strangers,  or  the  natural  consequences  of  a  se- 
cluded life,  she  appeared  in  the  utmost  trepidation,  and 
indistinctly  articidated  answers  to  the  questions  we  put  to 
her.  We  saw  no  person,  of  whon  to  inquire  her  histo- 
ry,  or  if  she  were  entirely  an  isolated  being ;  but  left  this 
melancholy  and  secluded  habitation,  with  sensations  not 
to  be  described.  The  recollection,  that  it  had  formerly 
been  the  shelter  of  a  man,  deranged,  and  afterwards  pre- 
cipitated down  the  cataract ;  and  that  it  was  now,  to  all 
appearances  at  least,  inhaliited  by  a  solitary  female,  al- 
most  as  deranged  as  himself,  and  likely  enough  to  follow 
him ;  was  sad  and  mournful.  We  quitted  the  spot  with 
impressions  of  Goat  Island  never  to  be  forgotten. 


;i 


' '  I  } 


i  1 


Ii  1 


■I , 


4.1     ' 


u\  ^i\ ; 


BOOK  II. 


CANADA. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Mi 
1'    [ 


<i 


[Arrival  in  Canada — Irish  deserter  from  the  Amencan  Fort — Re- 
ception in  Canada — Called  on  the  Governor  of  York — on  the 
Archdeacon — Journey  to  Newmarket — \Vant  of  Clergy — An 
OiTicer — A  dej)utation — Insurrection — Modn  of  judging  among 
uninformed  men — Demagogues  and  Republicans — Journey  to 
Montreal  and  Quebec — Return  to  New-York. 

Bidding  adieu  to  my  late  companion,  I  took  coach 
\k  Youngstown,  an  American  village  oj^posite  to  the 
British  Fort  at  Niagara.     I  had  scarcely  crossed  the 
liver  before  my  attention  was  arrested  by  a  violent  out- 
ciy,  which  proceeded  from  a  boat  in  the  middle  of  the 
stream.     I  observed  that  this  boat  was  pursued  by  ano- 
tlicr  one,  well  manned,  which  proceeded  from  the  Ame- 
rican shore,  and  was  gaining  rapidly  upon  it.     The 
jontery  was  made  by  an  Irish  deserter  from  the  Ameri- 
can fort,  who  liad  scarcely  reached  the  Canadian  boun- 
jdaiy  before  his  pursuers  were  close  upon  him.     llis  vo- 
Icil'erations   increased,   and  ^o  allbcted  the  Canadians, 
jliocking  together  from  all  quarters,  that  a  number  of 
them  rushed  into  the  water,  and  saved  the  fugitive  from 
pirthcr  molestation.     This  poor  man  declared  he  had 
\>mi  mis-used,  and  the  Canadians  tliereupon  told  the 


\ 


1 

1 

!■■, 

1! 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1      1 

1 

! 

; 

1 

1 

1 

!,   ,1 

/    ■-- 

'  ri 

:,-     t 

, 

i 

\  i 


'■  i 


h 

?i 


:  PI  II I 


ll' 


t   i 


i :  i 


w  li  ,  >. 


i! 


130 


CANADA. 


Yankees  that  unless  they  instantly  desisted  and  retired 
within  their  own  jurisdiction,  they  should  be  thrown  into 
the  water.  This  little  incident,  which  exhibits  an  oc- 
currence  frequent  enough  there,  may  show  the  animosity 
still  existing. 

I  called  on  the  missionary  of  Niagara,  who  welcomed  I 
me  in  the  true  British  spirit  of  christian  brothcrliood. 
with  hearty  congratulations  on  my  arrival  in  Canada.  | 
He  is  a  sincerely  pious  man,  greatly  esteemed  and  re- 
spected. This  gentleman  stated  the  need,  felt  and  I 
lamented,  of  more  ministers  than  have  yet  been  ap. 
pointed ;  and  expressed  his  hope,  that  some  occlesiasli- 1 
cal  employment  would  be  offered  me. 

On  my  arrival  in  York  the  following  day,   I  waited  I 
on  the  governor  and  stated  my  object ;  at  the  same  time 
frankly  acknowledging  that  my  original  emigration  liadl 
been  to  the  States,  but  that  my  sentiments  were  alteied, 
This  must  account,  added  I,  for  my  omission,  in  adducinul 
no  letters  to  gentlemen  in  Canada,  but  pcrhaj^s  my  otlierf 
papers  and  numerous  testimonials  may  make  atone- 
ment.    His  Excellency  perused  some  of  these,  and  re-i 
turned  them  with  express'ons  of  perfect  satisfaction, 
At  his  entrance  into  the  audience  room,  and  during  the 
perusal  of  my  papers,  I  was  struck  with  his  gentlemanlyf 
appearance  and  deportment.     But  a  short  conversatiinj 
increased  greatly  my  respect.     His  Excellency  detailedl 
the  great  deficiency  experienced  in  that  province  ofj 
available  means  for  the  maintenance  of  clergy,  and  thej 
consequent  want  of  efficient  ministers  in  almost  cveryf 
part.     The  population  was  rapidly  increasing,  the  thirstl 
for  religious  instruction  increasing  also,  and  the  mcansl 
for  obtaininaj  it  in  some  decree  diminishing:.     He  cx-f 

O  t_*  ^  t 

pressed  his  apprehension  to  be,  that  they  had  no  situationl 
to  oiler  worthy  of  my  acceptance,  although  my  labours! 
might  be  of  great  utility.  His  Excellency  pointed  oiitl 
the  ministerial  character  which  he  deemed  suitable  fori 
Canada,  the  plan  which  might  be  followed  with  successl 
in  building  up  their  infant  church,  his  earnest  desire  tol 
witness  the  increase  of  vital  religion,  and  the  appointmcnti 
of  worthy  clergymen  who  would  strive  to  promote  it.  II 


i:l 


ARCUDEACOX. 


131 


1  and  retired 
e  thrown  into 
xhibits  an  oc- 
the  animosity  I 

rho  welcomed 
brotherhood.  | 
i\  in  Canada, 
!omcd  and  re- 
sed,  felt  and  I 
yet  been  ap- 
no  ccclesiasti- 

lay,   I  waited 
the  same  time 
migration  had 
s  were  altered 
3n,  in  adducinj 
•ha]3s  my  other 
make  atone- 
these,  and  re- 
t  satisfaction. 
nd  during  the 
is  gentlemanly' 
t  conversatim 
piency  detailed 
t  province  of 
Icrgy,  and  the 
almost  every 
Ising,  the  thirst 
nd  the  means 
g.     He  ex- 
lad  no  situation 
jh  my  labours 
y  pointed  out 
d  suitable  lor 
with  success 
nest  desire  to 
[e  appointment 
promote  it.  I 


had  heard  from  many  sources  of  his  Excellency's  exem- 
plary moral  charactiir,  before  admission  into  his  pre- 
sence, but  all  sueii  n(jtiiications  were  inadequate  to  con- 
vey impressions  whicii  a  personal  interview  allbrded, 
\tter  my  dopariurc,  a  card  of  invitation  to  dine  at  tho 
^Tovernment-housc  wiis  dispatched  to  my  lodgings,  but  it 
arrived  too  late. 

The  Bishop  of  Quebec,  whom  I  had  expected  to  meet 

with  at  York,  was  ^lill  in  the  lower  province.     Tiie 

archdeacon  rcsid-xi  In  York,  and  I  waited  on  iiim.    Ho 

received  me  most  courteously  and  hospitably,  and  after 

iprotractCil  interview  iurnished  me  with  letters  to  three 

jcntlemen  on  Yt^nii-c  Street  and  at  Newmarket.     He 

>trondv  recomnieade.l  me  to  examine  the  countrv,  pre- 

\mis  to  ueciciinir  eiiiK^r  on  a  contniuance  or  return. 

■After  vou  liave  s  .-ei)."  ^^aid  he,  "  those  situations  whith- 

rmy  intrchictiuns   will  lead  you,  I  will  furnish  you 

with  other  Icitei's  to  porsms  in  dillerent  directions,  by 

|tlie  delivery  of  wliicii  y.ni  will  become  better  acquainted 

Iwiih  the  prt    ince.    And  s'nould  you  lind  any  inclination 

110 become  a  (V Indian,  1  will  finally  furnisii  you  with 

tetters  to  our  bislioj).     Some  clergymen  have  come  out 

pith  high  recommend;!  lions,  which  they  have  forwa/ded 

|o  his  lordsiiip  by  post ;  but  their  personal  a})pear;uico 

and  qualifications  have   not  been  found  corres})ondip.g, 

find  they  have  b"!en  afterwards  dismissed.     Your  testi- 

pnials  are  highly  satisi'actory  and  creditable,  and  iiicy 

Iwill  lose  nothin':  of  their  iiiiluence  by  your  presenting  tliein 

111  person.     This  will  occasion  you  some  trouble  and 

pxpcnse,  for  his  lordship  is  in  Quebec,  but  you  will  see  a 

greater  portion  ui'  olU-  extensive  provinces.     I  advise 

you  to  undertake  ili.  jom'uey." 

As  regular  daily  <'o  iriies  had  not  commenced  running 
J60  early  in  the  scas<»n,  i  proceeded  up  the  country  un 
M.  The  distance  ir..»m  York  to  Newmarket  is  thirty 
pies,  but  one  of  t!io  irv'utlemen  resided  thirteen  miles 
b  the  road,  on  whom  i  purposed  to  call,  and  to  take 
fipmy  residence  for  the  night  in  the  neighbourhood.  A 
pdy  and  two  gentiemeii  overtook  me,  to  whom  my  arri- 


)       1    ' 


n 


II 


!  I 


i: 


1,1    I'.'; 


I 


a 


I  i 


132 


CANADA. 


val  had  been  mentioned,  and  granted  me  tho  prlvilen',:  i 
of  riding  in  their  carriafit  to  the  very  door. 

The  gentleman  I  called  on  is  a  person  of  opulence,) 
and  a  justice  of  the  peace.     My  surprise,  on  enterinij 
his  house,  was  great,  to  find  in  the  wilds  of  Canada  th; 
comforts  and  even  luxuries  of  civilized  life.     I  was  ruA 
prepared  for  expecting  the  elegance   and   refinement  I 
which  appeared  around  me.  A  large  family,  hancisninclvf 
attired,  in  apartments  well  cnrpetcd  and  furnished,  :\ 
good  library,  a  blazing  fir^^,  and  numerous  servants.    I 
delivered  the  iniroductory  letter,  and  was  soon  rt  lioni; 
and  at  ease.     Here  I  remained  all  night,  and  founj 
more  of  European  information  and  of  true  h';)spitalit- 
tlian  I  had  done  'n  nny  part  of  America.     The  \vho:.| 
family  joined  in  conversation  with  an  openness  -ini 
cheerfuhicss,  peculiar  I  liclieve,  to  the  En/nish;  andll 
coukl  not  iiclp  remarkim;,  that  it  appeared  to  mc  as  ;tj 
I  were  once  more  in  Englund.  The  mistress  of  the  lioii>e| 
is  a  very  superior  lady,  in  piety  as  well  as  intelligence 
and  this  appeared  as  well  in  her  ovvn  conversation,  as;; 
the  arrangements  of  her  house,  and  the  conduct  and  aij 
poarance  of  her  children.    At  the  regular  liour  obsorwlf 
by  them,  the  domestics  assemble  J,  "nd  fnmily  praverJ 
were  otlercd  '^,).     I  was  thenr  chap'  .in.     Accominoda| 
tions  for  llie  ni^ht  were  olTered  me  which  I  re..dilv;icj 
cepted,  and  found  every  thirg  most  cmfjrtable. 

In  die  morning,  after  breakfast,  th  y  took  the  kcym 
the  church  door,  and  accompanied  me  thither.    Tlie 
church  is  delio'htful!  7  situr '  2d  on  a  r3in<i:  ground  above  ;i 
winding  valley,  and  is  built  entirely  of  wood.     A  hoiist^ 
was  shown  to  me  which  had  lately  been  purchased  tor 
a  resident  minister,  as  soon  as  tLj  bishop  should  serJ 
one ;  for  none  had  yet  been  appointed,   although  m 
church  had  been  finished  three  years.     Possession  4 
tlie  house  had  not  be':"n  obtained,  for  the  title  was  m 
puted,  and  the  p:  jsen'  occupant  could  not  ea^^ily  be  disJ 
lodged.     "  You  will  find  a  residcrice  then,"  I  obscrvcilj 
"  for  any  clergyman  whom  the  bishop  may  approve.' 
"  Certainly,"  they  replied ;  "  but  nothing  more  at  present,"] 
I  tlien  proceeded  on  my  journey,  in  love  with  the  placJ 


JOURNEY   TO  NEWMABKET. 


133 


I  tho  privileg-: 
r. 

I  of  opulence, 
2,  on  cnterin;; 
)f  Canada  tb; 
fc.     I  Avas  ni't| 
nd   rcfaicmtTii 
A',  handsomely 
ci  lurnished,  ;i| 
IS  servants. 
5  soon  vt  lioni;| 
;ht,  and  foiinl 
truo  hospitalitv 
a.     The  uh^>^;| 
openness  'uil 
En'nish ;  and  ij 
reel  to  mc  as  itf 
Dss  of  the  hoii?e| 
IS  intelligence 
iversation,  as;:i| 
•ondiietanda 
:  lioiir  observe 
fpuiily  prayei<| 
Accoininoda- 
;h  I  re.-dilyuc. 
furtahle. 
[took  the  Ivcyo 
thither.    Tin 
Iground  above  a 
•ood.     A  house 
li  purchased 
]op  slioukl  seiiJ 
although  ttif 
Possession  ^l 
title  was  di? 
ea'^ily  be  dis 
,"  1  obscrvcil 
Imay  approve 
lore  at  present. 
Iwith  the  plac 


and  pleased  with  the  family,  and  wishing  for  nothing 
more  earnestly  than  this  charming  little  church.  It 
was  the  mission  I  afterwards  filled,  and  which  I  left  with 

regret. 

Newmarket  lay  seventeen  miles  further,  which  I 
reached  also  on  foot.  At  a  house  on  the  road-side  I 
called  at,  to  make  inquiries  and  to  quench  my  thirst, 
there  was  an  elderly  man  seated,  who  eyed  me  for  some 
time  with  a  keen  and  steady  look.  At  last  he  began 
questioning  me ;  "  You  are  lately  from  the  old  country, 
1  suppose."  "  Yes,"  I  replied,  "  although  I  have  not 
come  direct,  but  spent  five  months  in  the  States."  "  Have 
you  come  to  settle  here  ?"  "  I  left  England  with  inten- 
tions of  residing  in  the  States ;  but  have  grown  weary 
of  America,  and  am  now  passing  through  this  country 
to  view  it  for  myself,  and  to  foi-m  my  plans  according  as. 
it  may  please  me."  "  You  talk  mighty  fine,"  he  said, 
you  are  a  mighty  elegant  gentleman,  and  ha\'e  a  noble 
[look ;  have  you  seen  the  governor  since  you  (;ame  ?" 
I" You  pay  me  more  compliments,"  I  replied,  "than  I 
iver  had  before ;  I  have,  however,  seen  his  Excellency." 
Now  I  thought  as  much,"  he  instantly  rejoiiied,  "  1 
ihought  by  your  appearance  you  were  one  of  those  who 
:ome  into  the  country  and  get  gmnts  of  land.  You 
lave  obtained  five  hundred  acres,  I  suppose."  1  looked 
it  hinn  with  astonishment.  At  last  I  told  him,  th,<  1 1  was 
perfect  stranger,  and  had  never  heard  of  such  n  thing." 
Besides,"  added  I,  "  I  left  England  a  downrit iit  radi- 
:al,  and  am  certainly  without  the  smallest  claim  to  par- 
iality,  and  without  any  expectation  of  sueh  a  favour." 
You  tell  us  so,"  said  he,  "  but  we  know  things  better. 
iVe  gave  them  a  sample  last  winter  of  what  tliey  may 
ixpect.  We  want  nothing  with  governors  and  bishops, 
id  archdeacons."  He  left  the  place  soon  after ;  and  I 
Fas  given  to  understand,  that  he  was  a  republican,  an 
Iherent  of  Mr.  Mackenzie.  I  had  often,  whilst  in  the 
itates,  observed  the  narrow  and  intolerant  spii'it  of  de- 
locracy.  It  occupies  the  same  place  in  politics,  as 
ipery  in  religion. 
On  my  arrival  at  Newmarket,  I  called  immediately 


134 


CANADA. 


I 


!'     t 


ii"   I 


f  ;       1 


on  a  medical  gentleman,  with  whom  I  lodged  all  night 
My  object  was  to  inquire  about  the  state  of  religiuui 
worship,  and  the  probable  erectionof  a  church,  and  pro- 
vision for  a  clergyman.     The  people,  he  observed,  an 
very  desirous  of  building  a  church,  but  there  are  n* 
funds ;  and  but  a  small  part  of  the  population  are  of  the 
established  church  ;  almost  all  here  are  either  Quakcr> 
or  Methodists.     Many  who  came  from  Great  Britaii. 
Episcopalians,  have  since  become  Methodists.  The  wan; 
of  clergy  in  this  country  is  a  great  evil.     I  inquirec 
what  encouragement  would  be  given  to  induce  a  cler- 
gyman to  settle  there.     "  It  would  not  be  possible,"  hM  approaci 
replied,  "  for  any  great  inducement  to  be  offered :  if  wM  cie  of  ft 
should  furnish  a  house  for  him  to  live  in,  that  would  bel  milv  had 
the  utmost  in  our  power.  He  must  serve  other  churche* 
at  the  same  time.     You  have  not  yet  been  long  in  the 
country,  nor  come  to  any  determination,  and  my  advicej 
to  you  is,  that  you  return  to  England,  unless  a  certai' 
stipend  is  allowed  you." 

In  the  morning,  I  waited  on  a  gentleman,  a  memk 
of  parliament  in  Canada,  with  a  letter :  he  offered  me 
horse  to  ride  on,  that  I  might  have  a  better  view  of  tin 
country  round.  After  a  short  ride,  I  returned,  and  hai 
a  hasty  conversation  with  him  respecting  my  object 
soon  found  his  statements  to  correspond  with  the  formcrj 
and  forbore  further  questions. 

In  my  rambles  I  met  with  an  officer,  who  had  entereiB  in  their  n 
Canada  the  previous  Autumn,  with  his  family,  and  fronH  and  to  pr 
its  being  late  in  the  season  before  his  arrival,  had  bee«  to  Mr.  M 
under  the  necessity  of  wintering  in  a  shanty.  He  hajNew-Yor 
like  many  other  officers,  accepted  of  a  grant  of  lam 
from  government  for  his  services,  and  was  about  to  pn 
ceed  to  Lake  Simcoe,  in  the  neighborhood  of  which 
estates  were  situated.  He  had  obtained  his  grant  nearl 
two  years  before,  and  was  one  of  the  last  officers 
whom  this  favour  was  extended ;  government  not  no^ 
allowing  of  similar  largesses  to  any  person.  Every  mi 
is  obliged  to  go  into  the  open  market,  and  purchase  su(Jmind  of  s 
lots  as  he  wishes  at  a  public  auction:  no  favouritism  ■them,  wit! 
allowed ;  the  gentleman  and  the  labourer  are,  in  this  r«a  stilj  grcc 


spect,  { 
5()  L'rea 
to  reinc 
rioiis  at 
admissi( 
more  w 
thus  cor 
that  mo 
would  \ 
otiicer,  1 
Spring ; 


severity  ^ 
ter,  like 
specter  c 
On  ret 
men  exu] 
of  loyal  t;; 
and  at  t 
public  01 
from  the 
and  had 
cellency 
of  their  st 


well  to  Ici 
revolt  or 
nada  ?     \ 
We  can 
v^entences 
an  interes 
ances  of  i 


k    ' 


,]  .  •. 


I  • 


AN  OFFICER. 


135 


spcct.  alike  regarded.  Indeed,  from  all  I  could  learn, 
so  great  is  the  desire  in  the  governor  of  Upper  Canada, 
to  remove  every  impediment  out  of  the  way  of  the  labo- 
rious antl  industrious  poor  man,  that  he  gives  an  easier 
admission  to  such  of  entering  upon  farms,  than  to  the 
more  wealthy.  One  cannot  but  rejoice  at  the  favour 
tiius  conferred  upon  the  indigent ;  yet  I  am  of  opinion, 
that  more  liberal  offers  to  j^ersons  of  greater  capital 
would  be  sound  policy.  From  the  stafements  of  this 
otficer,  I  perceived  the  prudence  of  emigrating  in  the 
Spring ;  as  a  longer  time  is  thereby  afforded,  before  the 
approach  of  winter,  for  providing  every  necessary  arti- 
cle of  food,  clothing,  and  convenience.  He  and  his  fa- 
mily had  endured  many  privati<  ns  from  the  length  and 
severity  of  the  frost  and  snow  ;  and  had  found  that  win- 
ter, like  the  present  government  of  Canada,  is  no  re- 
specter of  persons. 

On  returning  to  York,  I  found  a  large  party  of  gentle- 
men exulting  at  the  general  expression  of  public  feelings 
of  loyalty  and  attachment  to  the  throne  of  Great  Britain, 
I  and  at  the  discomfiture  of  those  who  had  endangered 
public  order.     These  gentlemen  formed  a  deputation 
from  the  districts  of  Coburg,  Newcastle,  Brockville,  &c. 
I  and  had  waited  on  the  governor,  to  congratulate  his  Ex- 
I  cellency  on  the  restoration  of  tranquillity,  to  assure  him 
of  their  steady  adherence,  and  that  of  all  respectable  men 
in  their  neighbourhood,  to  his  Excellency's  government, 
and  to  present  an  anti-grievance  petition,  in  opposition 
I  to  Mr.  M'Kenzie  and  his  party.     I  had  heard  many  in 
New- York  frequently  asserting,  that  England  would  do 
I  well  to  leave  Canada  to  itself,  before  she  be  expelled  by 
revolt  or  revolution.     "  What  business  has  she  with  Ca- 
I  nada  f     What  business  has  she  with  the  West  Indies  ? 
I  We  can  take  them  from  her  when  we  please ;"  were 
sentences  frequently  uttered  by  Americans.     So  warm 
an  interest  appeared  to  be  taken  by  them  in  the  disturb^ 
ances  of  England  and  Canada,  that  no  doubt  rests  on  my 
mind  of  systematic  arrangements  being  carried  on  by 
them,  with  democrats  in  both  countries,  and  perhaps  to, 
a  still  greater  extent  in  Ireland. 


/  il.J 


i 


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I     ' 

I'    I 


fl 


; 


Ml 


I 


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<     I     ' 


I    I 


• 


(    ) 


136 


CANADA. 


During  the  preceding  winter,  when  Parliament  was 
assembled  in  York,  so  great  were  the  crowds  of  revolu- 
tionary rebels  and  American  democrats,  and  so  strenu- 
ous their  efforts  to  intimidate  the  governor,  and  compel 
him  to  surrender  up  the  province  to  misrule,  that  appre- 
hensions were  entertained  in  that  capital  of  an  overthrow 
of  government.     These  misguided  men,  instigated  by 
factious  demagogues,  or  by  those  supposed  to  be  in  Ame- 
rican pay,  entered  York  armed  for  the  most  part  with 
bludgeons  or  shilalos,  and  marched  in  tumultuous  pro- 
cession, with  menaces  and  threats  towards  the  govern- 
ment house,  where  the  governor  resides.     His  Excel- 
lency had  timely  notice  of  this  outrageous  insurrection, 
and,  having  ordered  ihe  riot  act  to  be  read,  caused  some 
loaded  cannon  to  be  so  planted  as  to  command  the  prin- 
cipal streets  which  lead  to  his  residence ;  and  the.  sol- 
diers to  be  drawn  out,  and  artillery-men  with  lighted 
matches  to  be  stationed  ready.     The  factious  and  tu- 
multuous mob,  amounting  in  numbers  to  many  thousands, 
pretended,  when  they  saw  the  reception  prepared  for 
them,  that  their  sole  object  was  to  present  a  petition  for 
redress  of  grievances.     Conscious  of  their  guilty  and 
abominable  purposes,  and  shrinking  in  cowardice  and 
dismay  upon  detection,  they  quietly  presented  their  pe- 
tition, and  withdrew.    They  were  overjoyed  at  escaping 
merited  punishment,  and  dispersed  with  all  practicable 
haste  ;  thus  permitting  his  excellency,  and,  through  him 
the  inhabitants  of  York,  to  reap  the  fruits  of  this  firm 
and  decisive  mea?ure  in  recovered  tranquillity  and  or- 
der.    Such  were  the  facts  as  related  to  me. 

These  disturbances,  no  doubt,  originated  in  the  revo- 
lutionary spirit  lately  displayed  in  England.  That  the 
dependencies  of  a  mighty  empire  should  participate  in 
the  convulsions  of  their  parent  state,  and  should  travail 
with  corresponding  throes,  is  not  difficult  to  account  for, 
where  kindred  causes  are  in  active  operation.  In  this 
case,  the  body  and  its  members  are  sympathetic.  But 
where,  as  in  the  British  provinces  of  America,  there  is  a 
cheap  and  easy  government,  no  tithes,  no  taxes,  no  op- 
pression of  any  kind  to  complain  of,  it  is  no  easy  matter 


to 


JUDG3IENT  OF  UXIXFORMED  MEN. 


137 


rliament  was 
,rds  of  revolu- 
id  so  strenu- 
,  and  compel 
ie,  that  appre- 
an  overthrow 
instigated  by 
to  be  in  Ame- 
lost  part  with 
multuous  pro- 
3  the  govern- 
His  Excel- 
3  insurrection,. 
[,  caused  some 
land  the  prin- 

and  the*  sol- 
n  with  Ughted 
ctious  and  tu- 
my  thousands, 

prepared  for 

I  a  petition  for 
ir  guilty  and 
owardice  and 
nted  their  pe- 

d  at  escaping 

II  practicable 
,  through  him 

of  this  firm 
nllity  and  or- 
le. 

in  the  revo- 
d.  That  the 
participate  in 

lould  travail 
0  account  for, 

ion.  In  this 
athetic.  But 
■ica,  there  is  a 

taxes,  no  op- 
easy  matter 


to  trace  to  their  origin,  the  complaints  of  grievances 
among  a  certain  class.  It  must  be  referred  only  to  that 
natural  disposition  in  uninformed  men,  of  yielding  their 
understandings  and  judgments  to  the  dictum  of  those 
whom  they  consider  to  possess  more  extensive  inform- 
ation. 

When  once  conversing  on  subjects  concerning  Eng- 
land, and  perceiving  that  Americans  were  violent  in  con- 
demning what  they  did  not  understand,  I  took  occasion 
to  remark,  that  the  people  of  the  States  appear  unac- 
countably ignorant  of  the  laws  and  customs  of  Great 
Britain,  at  the  same  time  that  they  condemn  them ;  and 
was  answered,  "  If  you  will  consult  our  lawyers,  you 
will  find  them  better  acquainted  with  your  laws  and 
customs  than  any  English  judge."  When  speaking  on 
Scripture  subjects  witli  a  man  of  very  limited  knowledge, 
who  pertinaciously  maintained  absurd  doctrines  by  ab- 
surd arguments,  and  found  himself  hard  pressed  on 
some  points  which  he  could  not  explain  or  avoid,  he,  at 
last,  resolved  the  difficulty  by  saying,  "  If  you  will 
consult  Dr.  Clarke's  Commentary,  you  will  find  them." 

Having  once  heard  an  Englishman  in  Canada  assert, 
tliat  by  the  laws  of  England  every  clergyman  is  obliged 
to  maintain  all  the  poor  of  his  parish  and  to  keep  his 
church  in  repair,  I  demanded  his  proofs,  and  was  an- 
swered that  he  had  forgottcji  them,  but  had  read  them 
in  Cobbett's  Register.  In  like  manner,  a  democrat  in 
Canada,  I  was  informed,  complaining  bitterly  of  oppres- 
sions and  grievances,  was  requested  to  state  what  those 
particulars  were  by  which  he  felt  himself  so  much  ag- 
;:ricvcd ;  to  which  he  answered,  "  I  do  not  know  them 
myself,  but  if  you  will  consult  Mr.  M'Kenzie,  you  will 
tind  him  able  to  inform  you."  With  ignorant  people, 
bold  assertions  fearlessly  defended,  have  more  influence 
than  sober  reason.  Mr.  M'Kenzie  has  enlisted  them  in 
his  cause,  and  has  partially  succeeded.  He  is  eager  to 
establish  a  democracy  in  the  Canadas,  and  to  join  them 
to  the  Statcj.  The  Americans,  whilst  evidently  gratfied 
with  the  disturbances  of  Canada,  and  even  fomenting 
them,  often  told  me  when  in  New- York,  that  they  would 

M* 


;  » 


U 


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II 


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t 

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il, 


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1 

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139 


CANADA. 


not  accept  of  the  British  provinces,  if  offered  to  thcrn 
freely.  This  was  only  the  old  story  of  the  fox  and  the 
grapes.  I  heard  republicans  in  Canada  repeat  this 
American  boast  of  prowess  and  moderation ;  and  smiled 
in  derision  on  observing  that  they  had  mistaken  the  fox 
conceal  *d  under  eagle's  pinions,  for  the  noble  and  ma- 
jestic lion,  and  hearts  of  pine  wood  for  hearts  of  oak. 

The  object  aimed  at  by  Mr.  M'Kenzic,  and  for  which 
he  endeavoured  to  excite  the  rabble,  was  a  seat  for  him- 
self in  the  house  of  legislation.  He  had  been  twice  or 
thrice  elected  a  member,  but  on  account  of  his  vile  and 
levelling  principles,  had  as  often  been  exjx'lled.  E\cii 
the  other  democratic  members  of  the  house  considered 
his  proceedings  as  improper,  and  either  connived  or  as- 
sisted in  expelling  him.  His  constituents  and  political 
friends  were  eager  to  have  his  election  confirmv,d,  and 
did  all  in  their  power  to  promote  it.  He  relied  on  their 
exertions,  not  only  in  his  nomination,  but  in  his  being 
admitted  as  a  member  of  the  house,  if  not  by  right  or 
courtesy,  at  least  by  force.  They  imagined  that  if  he 
and  they  should  gain  their  heart's  desire,  they  would 
speedily  behold  Upper  Canada  one  of  the  States  of  tlu 
American  Union.  No  efforts  were  to  be  spared.  They 
told  him  that  a  majority  of  the  people  saw  through  his 
eyes  and  throbbetl  with  his  pulse,  and  were  well  pre- 
pared to  prosecute  his  views  and  invigorate  his  pulsa- 
tions. He  believed  all  this,  and  encouraged  them  to  | 
make  the  trial.  It  has  often  happened  in  other  instances. 
that  calculations  were  made  at  random ;  and  it  proved 
so  in  this.  They  found  their  numerical  strength  not 
more  than  one-third  of  the  entire  population.  Their] 
objects  were  now  fully  developed ;  and  the  loyalists,  who  | 
had  hitherto  remained  inactive,  stepped  forward  openly. 
The  effect  was  instantaneous  and  decisive ;  and  the  re- 
publican party,  disconcerted  and  dispirited,  resigned  fur- 
ther contest.  Anti-petitions  from  faithful  and  loyal  sub- 
jects, and  warm  congratulations,  were  presented  to  the  I 
governor  from  all  quarters ;  and  thus  the  machinations, 
which  were  intended  for  the  overthrow,  proved  a  firmer  | 
confirmation  of  British  power  and  influence. 


i  :  .„ 


:M 


JOURNEY  TO  MONTREAL  AND  QVEBEC. 


139 


It  Was  to  give  assuranco  to  the  governor,  of  the  gene- 
ral adherence  of  the  people  in  their  neighborhood  to  his 
Excellency's  person  and  administration,  that  these  gen- 
tlemen had  assembled  in  York.  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
spending  part  of  the  evening  in  their  company,  and  of 
descending  the  lake  in  the  same  steamboat,  and  deliver- 
ing a  sermon  before  them.  I  admired  the  enthusiastic 
expressions  of  their  loyalty  and  patriotism. 

I  called  on  the  archdeacon  to  decline  more  introduc- 
tions, for  the  mere  purpose  of  viewing  the  country,  since 
1  was  extremely  pleased  with  what  I  had  already  seen ; 
and  assured  him  I  could  reconcile  myself,  without  vio- 
lation  to  my  feelings,  to  a  residence  in  the  province  and 
being  called  a  (Canadian.  "  You  have  not  yet,"  said  he, 
"seen  the  most  beautiful  parts  about  York.  Burlington 
Bay,  at  the  head  of  the  lake,  is  incomparably  finer.  But 
as  you  seem  satisfied  with  the  portion  you  have  seen, 
I  shall  furnish  you  with  a  letter  to  our  venerable  bishop. 
I  can  say  nothing  more  at  present ;  but  merely  request 
that  you  will  send  me  intimation  of  the  result  of  your 
visit,  on  returning  to  Montreal.  This  gentleman  and 
his  son  accompanied  me  to  the  steamboat. 

Our  voyage  down  the  lake  was  pleasant.  We  were 
never  out  of  sight  of  land,  some  parts  of  which  were 
a2:reably  v^ariegated  by  wood  and  water,  by  hill  and 
dale.  Several  villages  or  mansions  on  the  margin  of 
the  water  were  delightfully  located.  On  passing  through 
the  Lake  of  a  Thousand  Islands,  almost  forty  miles  in 
length,  the  prospect  varied  every  moment.  The  num- 
ber of  islands  is  nearly  twelve  hundred,  of  all  forms  and 
sizes,  almost,  but  not  entirely  uninhabited.  The  innu- 
merable shapes  and  views,  presented  to  the  eye  in  rapid 
succession,  had  a  magic  and  fairy-like  effect.  Had  it 
been  a  few  weeks  later  in  the  season,  and  the  trees  been 
clothed  in  vernal  beauty,  a  romantic  mind  might  have 
fancied  itself  among  the  Islands  of  the  Blessed.  But  the 
atmosphere  was  too  cold  to  be  comfortable,  and  ice  r  id 
snow  still  lingered  on  the  ground. 

At  Prescot,  a  town  at  the  eastern  end  of  Lake  Onta- 
rio, I  found  I  might  either  go  by  land,  or  down  the  rapids 


1 

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i      '     i      : 


> 


H 


i«    ■ 


140 


CANADA. 


of  the  St.  Lawrence,  to  Cornwall,  a  town  fifty  miles  be- 
low Prescott.  To  descend  the  rapids  was  recommended 
in  preference,  as  being  speedier  and  easier  than  travel- 
ling by  coach ;  for  roads  in  Canada,  like  those  in  the 
States,  are  not  always  smooth.  The  rapids  also  afford 
a  species  of  navigation,  combining  rapidity  and  safety  to 
a  degree  not  known  on  any  other  river  in  the  world. 
The  rapid  called  Longue  Sault,  which  is  nine  miles  lonir. 
is  often  passed  in  from  seventeen  to  twenty  minutes  time, 
being  at  the  rate  of  nearly  thirty  miles  an  hour.  jVu 
accidents,  except  from  gross  inattention,  ever  take  place. 
In  two  hundred  and  eighty  miles  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  rapids,  the  channel  of  the  St.  Lawrence  has 
a  descent  of  two  hundred  and  thirty  one  feet. 

Later  in  the  season,  it  would  have  been  no  difficult 
matter  to  meet  with  passage  boats,  in  which  to  navigate 
the  rapids ;  but  our  arrival  at  this  time  of  the  year 
was  rather  unpropitious.  The  river  had  but  recently 
been  freed  from  hibernal  obstructions,  No  Ijoats  had 
ascended  from  Montreal ;  and  few  of  those  belonging 
to  Prescott  were  remaining.  There  was  one,  however, 
about  to  descend  immediately,  considerably  laden,  and 
with  three  passengers,  previous  to  our  application.  One 
of  our  party,  who  was  better  acquainted  than  myself 
with  the  proper  mode  of  acting,  and  knew  that  a  small 
boat  could  not  take  us  all  without  incurring  danger,  went 
privately  and  made  a  bargain  with  the  owner.  The  rest 
of  us  made  a  later  application,  and  he  demanded  three 
dollars  each,  the  regular  fare  being  one.  This  we  hesi- 
tated to  give,  and  he  refused  a  more  moderate  offer.  1 
perceived  that  this  river-tar  was  already  satisfied  with 
his  freight,  and  thereibre  returned  to  the  inn ;  but  the 
other  unadmitted  passengers  remained  by  the  iDoatmen, 
cheapening  his  fare.  Suddenly  pushing  oft'  his  boat,  he 
laughed  in  their  faces,  and  wished  them  a  pleasant  jour- 
ney.    I  had  not,  therefore,  the  pleasure  of  floating  down. 

We,  wiio  had  been  left  behind,  immediately  took 
coach,  and  arrived  in  Cornwall  considerably  after  dark, 
where  we  found  our  late  companions,  whose  arrival  had 
been  four  hours  earlier.     They  gave  us  a  tantalizing  ac- 


MONTREAL. 


141 


fty  miles  be- 
(commended 
than  travel- 
those  in  the 
s  also  aflford 
and  safety  to 
in  the  world. 
le  miles  long. 
ninutes  time, 
n  hour.  Nu 
2V  take  place. 
3  commence- 
.awrence  has 
eet. 

■n  no  difficult 
h  to  navigate 
of  the  year 
but  recently 
^o  Ijoats  had 
■>se  belonging 
me,  however, 
laden, and 
cation.    One 
than  myself 
hat  a  small 
danger,  went 
.T.     The  rest 
landed  three 
his  we  hesi- 
■ate  otfer.    1 
;atisfied  with 
inn;  but  the 
the  iDoatmen, 
f  his  boat,  he 
•leasant  jour- 
oating  down. 
jdiately  took 
ly  after  dark, 
le  arrival  had 
Imtalizing  ac- 


count of  the  pleasures  of  their  voyage,  which  but  ill  ac- 
corded with  our  uneasy  drive.  The  road  in  many  places 
was  bad ;  in  some  places  there  was  no  road  but  what 
lay  over  pasture  ground  sadly  cut  up ;  and  our  fare  for 
such  conveyance  was  even  more  than  his  extravagant 
demand.  We  were  therefore  both  wearied  and  laugh- 
ed at. 

In  our  journey  from  York  to  Montreal,  we  had  three 
several  altei  nations  of  steam-boats  and  coaches.  The 
steam-boat  we  now  entered  was  moored  by  a  ledge  of 
ice,  of  a  thickness  so  great  as  to  conceal  entirely  the 
vessel,  till  we  approached  close  upon  it.  We  embarked 
by  steps  excavated  in  the  ice,  for  the  convenience  of 
passengers.  We  now  found  that  we  were  pursuing  the 
retreat  of  winter,  and  treading  hard  up  his  rear.  In 
our  descent,  we  were  evidently  coming  into  a  colder- 
climate.  The  Upper  Province,  before  we  left  York, 
begun  to  exliibit  symptoms  of  vegetation  ;  but  here 
ground  was  sprinkled  with  snow.  In  some  of  the 
Istreets  of  Montreal  and  Quebec  was  ice  of  two  or  three 
feet  in  thickness.  The  snow  grew  more  dense  and  the 
landscape  whiter,  as  we  approached  Quebec  ;  between 
ivhich  city  and  the  Falls  of  Montmorenci,  this  fleecv 
overing  was  two  feet  deep. 

The  climate,  in  many  parts  of  the  lower  province  re- 
ulres  a  variation  from  the  modes  of  agriculture  in 
ilder  regions.  Wheat  does  not  succeed  well,  if  sown 
autumn.  The  usual  practice  is,  to  prepare  the  land 
in  the  previous  autumn,  and  to  sow  it  in  the  spring.  If 
ivheat  is  sown  in  autumn,  the  frost  destroys  it ;  and  if 
bd  is  not  prepared  till  spring,  the  fittest  season  for 
wing  wheat  will  have  passed  away,  before  the  plow- 
g  has  been  finished.  The  frost  and  snow  lighten,  mel- 
w,  and  fertilize  the  soil,  and  render  the  produce  more 
ibundant. 

The  situation  of  Montreal  must  in  summer  be  delight- 
.  The  waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  both  above  and 
low  the  town,  have  a  great  descent  and  rapidity,  which 
efreshes  and  purifies  the  atmosphere.  Montreal  is  con- 
derably  elevated ;  and  a  mountain  seven  hundred  feet 


'  \k 


i 


A 


\      I 


I 


'       ) 


'i.       iv 


(     I 


142 


CANADA. 


high  rises  close  behind  it,  studded  in  its  acclivity  with 
several  mansions,  and  having  on  its  summit  a  charmins: 
retreat,  I  was  told  belonging  to  the  Catholic  Cler2y. 
The  Roman  Catholic  is  the  prevailing  religion  of  Que- 
bec and  Montreal.  It  has  a  larger  revenue  than  is  pos- 
sessed by  any  other  denomination,  and  is  really  wealthy. 
"  Its  revenue  is  derived  from  grants  of  land  made  to  it 
under  the  ancient  regime,  and  from  contributions  ordain- 
ed by  the  Church.  Besides  these,  another  principail 
source  is  from  the  fines  for  alienation,  which  amount  to  | 
about  eight  per  cent,  paia  by  the  purchaser  of  real  estate. 
every  time  the  same  is  sold,  and  which  extends  to  sales 
of  all  real  estates  in  the  seignory  or  Island  of  Montreal."! 
Their  church  here  is  considered  the  largest,  and  most 
elegant  and  lofty  edifice  for  worship,  on  the  Continent  oil 
America.  There  is  a  monument  near  the  market  piacel 
in  honour  of  Nelson.  Four  of  his  glorious  achievements! 
are  recorded  on  its  sides.  It  appears  to  be  constructedl 
of  very  perishing  materials,  for  the  parts  on  which  hisj 
victories  were  inscribed  are  crumbling  to  decay.  The 
splendid  career  of  that  hero  has  little  need  of  such  fraiij 
memorials. 

A  Montreal  gentleman  of  great  legal  eminence,  and  .1 
member  of  the  legislation,  with  whom  I  had  a  long con[ 
versation,  was  on  his  way  from  this  place  to  Quebecl 
He  was  hostile  to  the  project  of  a  chartered  company  ir| 
the  lower  province  similar  to  that  of  the  Canada  Com  pa 
ny  in  the  upper.  One  of  his  reasons  was  the  influence! 
it  would  confer  upon  the  English  above  the  French  Canaj 
dians.  The  enter  prize,  skill,  and  capital  of  English  emiJ 
grants  give  them  an  enviable  pre-eminence.  This  gen-| 
tieman  is  a  Canadian,  and  of  French  descent ;  yet  I  could 
not  enter  into  his  views.  Experience  has  since  convinceij 
me  of  the  great  advantages  derived  to  the  upper  pro 
vinces  from  the  Canada  Company.  But  I  shall  ad^eij 
to  this  hereafter.  He  also  approved  of  a  tax  of  one  dol| 
lar  a  head  to  be  levied  on  emigrants,  payable  by  the  cap 
tain  in  whose  vessel  they  arrive.  This  tax,  he  said,  ij 
necessary  to  indemnify  Montreal  for  expenses  incurred 
in  maintaining  pauper  emigrants,  and  in  administerin 


medicii 
drawbc 

into  it  V 
He  stro 
leirisiati 


not  miag 

ported  fr 

in  the  ste 

its  obser 

Quebec, 

affecting 

priate  to 

esteemed 

charge  o 

and  Eng^ 

attended. 

The  E 

me  to  di 

bee,  and 

one.    Hi! 

of  them. 

leading  d 


i  i  iil  i  ,?; 


1  '  (  ■ 


QUEBEC. 


143 


medicines  to  the  sick.  The  upper  province  claimed  a 
liiawback  for  such  of  the  emifrrants  as  found  their  way 
into  it  without  expense  to  the  Lower,  which  was  refused. 
He  strongly  objected  to  the  introtluction  of  a  bill  into  the 
Ictrislature  for  makini?  Montreal  the  port  of  entry  of  the 
Upper  Province.  This  was  greatly  def>;ired  by  many 
persons  in  both  provinces,  as  likely  to  prove  extensively 
beneficial ;  but  it  was  opposed  by  many.  These  two 
parts  of  the  British  provinces  have  distinct  and  separate 
interests,  and  a  jealously  exists  between  them.  Mon- 
treal is  considered  as  the  wealthiest  place,  and  as  pos- 
sessing the  best  society  of  any  city  of  its  extent  on  the 
continent  of  America. 

I  arrived  at  Quebec  on  the  fourth  of  May,  the  day  ap- 
pointed in  the  Lower  Province  for  a  general  fast,  on  ac- 
count of  apprehension  of  cholera.  This  dreadful  visita- 
tion had  not  then  commenced  its  ravages.  The  day  pre- 
vious to  my  arrival,  the  first  vessels  of  the  season  from 
Euroj^e  had  reached  the  harbour,  and  were  ordered  to 
the  quarantine  ground.  The  Archdeacon  of  Quebec 
informed  me  he  would  have  invited  me  to  dine  witii  him, 
had  not  one  of  his  servants  been  dangerously  ill,  but  of 
the  nature  of  the  illness  he  did  not  inform  me.  Yet  I  do 
not  imagine  it  was  cholera,  for  nothing  had  yet  been  im- 
ported from  England.  The  fast  was  partially  observed 
in  the  steam-boat.  The  same  day  was  not  appointed  for 
its  observance  in  the  Upper  Province.  On  reaching 
Quebec,  I  entered  the  cathedral  church,  and  heard  an 
affecting  discourse  delivered  by  the  Archdeacon  appro- 
priate to  the  solemnity.  He  is  popular,  and  deservedly 
esteemed  for  his  humane  disposition,  and  the  eflicient  dis- 
charge of  his  duties.  He  officiates  in  both  the  French 
and  English  languages.  The  church  was  numerously 
attended,  and  the  discourse  impressive. 

The  Bishop  conferred  on  me  the  honour  of  inviting 
me  to  dine  at  his  house  every  day  I  remained  in  Que- 
bec, and  I  availed  myself  of  it  in  every  instance  except 
one.  His  lordship  examined  my  papers,  and  approved 
of  them.  I  was  also  questioned  as  to  my  views  of  some 
leading  doctrines  of  our  church,  which  I  answered  to 


H; 


I, 


ii  ■  ' 


.1 


II 


i      ! 


! 


;k 


I' 


I  I 


;  1    I 


'     •  SI 


t    I 


ti  i 


144 


CANADA. 


his  lordship's  approbation.  I  was  requested  to  read 
part  of  a  Greek  play,  and  a  few  verses  of  the  Hebrew 
Bible,  and  thus  my  examination  ended. 

His  lordship  made  mention  of  a  gentleman  from  Ox- 
ford  University,  who  had  held  a  mission  among  the  In- 
dians, but  who,  after  some  residence  in  Canada,  had  re- 
signed it  and  returned  to  England.     His  resignation 
arose  principally  from  not  finding  his  hearers  so  tracta- 
ble  and  docile  as  he  wished  them,  and  the  Bishop  ex- 
pressed  the  reluctance  felt  by  liim  in  losing  so  efficient  a 
minister.     I  believe  the  mission  he  held  was  included 
in  one  of  greater  extent,  which  his  lordship  offered  to 
my  acceptance.     Its  length  extended  from  Newmarket 
to  Pentangueshine,  a  distance  of  about  sixty  miles.    I 
stated  to  his  lordship  that  I  had  not  been  on  horseback 
for  almost  ten  years  previous  to  entering  Canada,  and 
that  my  powers  of  walking  were  not  adequate  to  such 
journeys.     "  I  myself,"  replied  his  lordship,  "  have  per- 
formed much  greater  journeys  than  the  one  proposed  to 
you,  on  foot  and  unattended.     I  was  a  missionary  for 
thirty-five  years,  at  a  period  when  the  country  was  in  a 
less  civilized  state,  and  when  greater  self-denial  than  is 
required  of  you  was  unavoidably  imposed  on  the  preach- 
ers of  the  gospel.     There  is  no  part  of  my  large  diocese 
which  I  have  not  visited,  and  travelled  on  foot,  with  a 
Bible,  my  sole  companion  and  only  solace,  under  my 
arm.     What  therefore  is  proffered  to  your  acceptance, 
is  not  to  be  compared,  in  labours  and  privations,  to  what 
has  been  experienced  before  you.     But  since  you  shrink 
from  the  undertaking,  I  have  another  oflfer  to  make  you. 
The  gentleman  on  Yonge-street,  on  whom  you  called, 
offered  you  a  house.     To  this  provision  I  will  add  from 
my  private  income  one  hundred  pounds  annually ;  for  I 
do  no!  know  that  the  sum  will  be  refunded  me  ;  but  the 
people  of  that  village  have  often  applied  to  me  for  a 
resident  minister,  and  I  have  never  had  so  favorable  an 
opportunity  of  gratifying  them." 

This  was  the  mission  which  I  had  earnestly  longed 
for,  and  I  accepted  it  immediately.  But,  at  the  same 
time,  I  mentioned  that  my  final  acceptance  of  it  must 


RETURN    TO   NEW-YORK. 


145 


still  depend  on  Mrs.  F.'s  pleasure,  whom  I  had  induced 
to  cross  the  ocean  much  against  her  wish,  and  who 
seemed  resolute  on  returning  as  speedily  as  possihle. 
'•  You  must  write  to  me  from  Yew  York,"  said  his  lord- 
ship, "  after  your  resolves  have  been  concluded  ;  and  if 
you  accept  the  mission,  your  stipend  will  commence 
Irom  the  date  of  your  letter."  In  this  I  acquiesced. 
On  the  Sunday  which  I  passed  in  Quebec,  I  had  the  ex- 
treme pleasure  of  preaching  twice  before  his  lordship, 
the  archdeacon,  his  lordship's  chaplain,  &;c.  &c.  in  the 
cathedral  church. 

At  my  departure  from  Quebec,  his  lordship  present- 
ed me  with  a  sermon  of  his  own  publication,  and  a  re- 
pcrt  of  the  society  for  the  propogation  of  the  gospel  in 
foreign  parts;  and  requested  I  would  deliver,  in  his 
lordship's  name,  another  copy  of  the  society's  report  to 
the  Episcopal  Bishop  of  New- York.  Mutual  respect 
for  each  other  exists  in  a  high  degree  among  the  clergy 
of  the  States  and  those  in  Canada,  and  reciprocated 
favours  are  frequently  exchanged.  This  is  very  pleasing 
to  contemplate.  The  Bishop  of  Quebec  has  repeatedly 
been  in  New- York ;  and  is  personally  known  to,  and 
much  esteemed  by.  not  only  the  Bishop,  but  the  clergy 
[generally,  of  that  city.  Dr.  Milnor,  who  has  occasion- 
lilly  dined  with  his  lordship,  mentioned  this  circum- 
Istance. 

'he  banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence  throughout  all  its 
|course  are  in  general  well  peopled  and  cultivated.  The 
istricts  bordering  on  the  river  are  represented  as  being 
emarkably  fertile.  From  Montreal  to  Quebec  the  mar- 
in  of  the  water  on  both  sides  is  diversified  by  frequent; 
Iwellings,  and  sometimes  clusters  of  houses,  which  are 

presented  as  forming  continuous  and  almost  unbroken 
treets.  Many  churches  are  visible  from  the  water  at 
bout  six  or  nine  miles  distance  from  each  other. 

My  return  from  Qur^ec,  after  accomplishing  my  object, 
ind  seeing  the  fortifications  and  classic  spots  in  and 
ii'ound  it,  was  by  Montreal,  la  Prairie,  St.  John's,  Lake 
■hamplain,  Whitehall,  Troy,  Albany,  and  the  Hudson 

iver.    From  Montreal  I  dispatched  a  letter  to  tiie 

N 


\ 

t 

1 

'] 

1, 

i 

■  1 

I  [  » 

'i 

1 

• 

I  I 


• 


r  I 


:       I 


1     !     i 
1     '     ! 


'!: 


I  ! 


f  < 


!   I   M 


I     I 


!^ 


.'  < 


1 

••    i 

rM     • 

,  j 

■■y,ii' 

I 

) 

i     If.  1 

• 

i..    t 

146 


CANADA. 


Archdeacon  of  York,  to  state  the  probability  of  my  re* 
sidence  in  Canada,  and  the  consequent  necessity' of  a 
house  being  provided  as  soon  as  possible  by  tlw;  parish. 

Part  of  Lake  Champlain  belonjjs  to  the  Englisli,  and| 
part  to  America.     I  had  read,  that  the  borders  of  it  be- 
longing to  the  States  are  under  better  cultivation  thanl 
the  other,  and  v^'as  anxious  to  examine  the  correctness  I 
of  the  statement.     I  could  not,  however,  perceive  anv[ 
trutii  in  the  assertion ;  but  I  remembered  the  boast  of 
American  superiority  in  other  things  to  England,  aiid| 
the  vauntings  of  their  vanity  still  tingled  in  my  cars. 
Along  the  shores  of  the  liake,  at  ditlerent  places  -werci 
vestiges  of  fortifications,  which  had  sustained  cons])icuoiis[ 
})arts  in  our  wars  with  America.     It  was  on  this  nar-j 
row  piece  of  water,  that  one  of  those  naval  engaiie- 
mcnts  of  which  that  countrv  boasts  was  fouirht.     Thcl 
lake  is  one  hundred  and  fortv  miles  long,  and  but  four! 
teen  (some  writers  say  six)  miles  broad  in  its  widest  ])art,r 
At  the  head  of  the  lake  is  the  town  of  Whitehall,  froinl 
which  I  took  coach  for  Albany.     Part  of  this  journeyl 
lav  among  mountains  of  considerable  heiirht  and  bcautv. 
From  Albany  to  New- York  was  passed  in  a  steanihoall 

When  descending  the  St.  Lawrence  I  had  obscrvcdf 
that  the  climate  grew  sensibly  colder,  and  more  siioavI 
was  still  on  the  ground.  In  returning  to  New-  York,  iiiyf 
course  was  almost  due  south  ;  and  everv  day  secniedl 
more  grateful,  and  every  degree  of  decreasing  latitiuk 
more  lichly  clothed  in  verdure  and  vegetation.  Akm;: 
the  banks  of  the  Hudson  were  numerous  orchards,  witlil 
fruit  trees  covered  with  blossoms.  In  short,  spring  haJl 
arrived,  and  nature  was  beginning  to  awake,  and  to  piit| 
Ibrth  her  strength. 

This  was  by  far  the  longest  and  most  delightliil  cx-j 
cursion  I  ever  made.  It  was  undertaken  as  well  loil 
inquiring  after  professional  employment,  as  lor  ini'oi'nia| 
lion  and  amusement :  and  was  in  all  respects  perfccth] 
successful.  Without  an  introductory  letter  from  Engl 
land,  I  enjoyed  every  advantage  which  thousands  cuiilil 
procure.  Widiout  one  single  })revious  acquaintance, 
was  welcomed  with  hospitality.     My  previous  dcfcci 


RRTURN  TO  NEW- YORK. 


147 


ility  of  my  re* 

necessity  of  a 
by  th(!  parish, 
e  English,  tind 
lordcrs  of  it  be- 
ultivation  than 
the  correctness 
',  perceive  any 
)d  the  boast  of 

Enijfhind,  and 
;d  in  my  ears. 
nt  places  -were 
led  conspicuous 
as  on  this  nar- 
!  naval  engjiL'e- 
3  fought.  The 
T,  and  but  four 
1  its  widest  part. 
^liitehall,  froirj 
of  this  journey 
gilt  and  heaiity. 

in  a  steanil)oat. 
[  had  obscrvcdl 
and  more  snow 

New-York,  my 
)ry  day  secnicdl 

reasing  latitiulei 

itation.     AloiiLJ 
orchards,  witlil 
|iort,  spring  haJl 

fuke,  and  to  put! 


^t  delightful  cx-| 

ten  as  well  i<'r 

as  lor  inlijrnKv 

jpects  perfectly 

Itter  from  Ena- 

Ihousands  coulil 

icquaintaucc,  I 

)revious  dcfcC' 


tion  from  patriotism  was  overlooked,  and  I  shared  the 
patronage  of  those  who  preside  over  one  of  the  finest 
regions  of  the  globe.     I  had  travelled,  in  less  than  one 
month,  by  means  of  steamboats,  and  steam-carriages, 
of  coaches   and  waggons,   of  ferry-boats  and  jaunting 
carts,  on  horseback,  and  on  foot,  a  distance  of  almost 
eighteen  hundred  miles.     I  had  seen  some  of  the  most 
beautiful   tracts  of  country,  some  of  the  finest  rivers, 
the  most  astonishing  rapids  and  cataracts,  the  finest  lakes 
and  mountains — some  of  the  most  magnificent  works  of 
art,  the  canals,  aqueducts,  rail-roads,  mills,  steamboats, 
t'ortilications,   and  religious  edifices ;    which  the   new 
World  has  to  present  to  the   eyes  of  strangers.     All 
tliis  I  had  accomplished,  without  one  drawback  ;  with- 
out more  fatigue  and  weariness  than  what  is  necessary 
t(3  enhance  the  pleasure  of  repose ;  without  any  loss  by 
lilfering,  of  which  travellers  often  complain :  with  hour- 
increasing  intelligence ;  with  recovery  of  stronger 
vision,  which  long  and  intense  study  had  weakened  ; 
with  more  confirmed  health,  and  a  higher  ilow  of  spirits  ; 
with  longer  cessation  of  domestic  discord  and  family 
cares ;  than  my  lite  had  hitherto  allowed  me.     I  had 
passed  by  or  over  some  places  rendered  classic  and  im- 
mortal, by  deeds  of  warlike  valour,  and  of  private  sacri- 
fice for  public  good ;  by  victories  and  defeats ;  by  bloody 
struggles,  both  by  land  and  wixter. 

After  all,  I  had  the  crowning  felicity  of  returning  safe 
tc  my  family,  and  of  finding  even  that  part  of  it,  which 
was  sick  at  my  departure,  in  renewed  health  and 
strength.  Flushed  with  my  good  fortune,  free  from 
sickness  and  debility,  and  welcomed  by  the  endear- 
ments of  my  family,  I  disclosed  the  issue  of  my  jour- 
ney. My  tale  was  told  in  a  propitious  moment,  and 
imbibed  with  an  approving  ear.  One  only  stipulation 
was  proposed  and  agreed  to,  that  I  would  resign  if  re- 
quired. I  wrote  the  next  morning  to  the  bishop,  and 
announced  my  acceptance  of  the  mission.  We  packed 
up  the  articles  we  deemed  essential,  and  were  on  our 
journey  to  Canada  in  the  course  of  a  week. 


I'-i  I 


,,—  <<r>rtTSl. 


i: 


I     ' 


•  j 


148 


UNITED   STATES. 


CHAPTER  II. 


1 1 


M       1     ! 


V 


1    I 


t  ' 


,i  - 

i 

i ' 

i 


!  • 

'I  : 

*  'l 

I  I 


Second  journey  to  Canada — Salt  works  at  Syracuse — Voyage  overl 
Lake  Ontario — A  brow-beaten  Irishman — Fare  on  the  Lake— I 
Arrival  in  York — Lodgings — Fellow  Lodgers — New  Church— I 
Market-House — Parliament  Houses — Kindness  of  the  Archdea- 
con — Our  parsonage — Kindness  of  parishioners — Mode  of  livingl 
— Landlady — Yankee  impostures. 

After  making  arrangements  for  our  journey,  we  em-l 
barked  on  board  a  steamboat,  for  Albany.  I  again  \vait-[ 
ed  on  tiie  gentleman  from  whom  I  had  in  my  formerj 
journey  to  Canada,  received  so  many  kind  attentions! 
He  advised  me  to  prosecute  my  travels  this  time  in  al 
canal  boat,  since  my  family  and  baggage  would  be  found! 
too  inconvenient  for  a  coach.  I  adopted  his  advice,  andl 
went  in  one  boat  from  Albany  to  Syracuse,  and  in  ano-l 
ther  from  Syracuse  to  Oswego ;  and  from  this  last  placel 
to  York,  by  way  of  Niagara  in  a  trading  vessel.  Manyl 
parts  of  the  country  through  which  we  passed,  appeareil 
extremely  fertile.  The  short  interval  of  one  month  had! 
produced  an  astonishing  alteration  in  the  aspect  of  thel 
country,  which  was  now  in  many  places  covered  with! 
verdure.  The  flats  through  which  the  canal  passes,  are] 
the  richest  grounds,  but  are  not  cleared  from  want  olf 
drainage.  The  canal  has  rendered  them  more  swampyj 
in  some  places  than  they  were  naturally;  and  this  change! 
is  visible  in  the  state  of  the  forests,  which  are  rapidly! 
decaying.  A  vast  portion  of  New- York  State  is  yet! 
in  its  original  condition,  uninvaded  by  the  axe  ;  and  is! 
of  itself  sufficient  to  receive  and  sustain  the  excess  off 
population  in  all  the  kingdoms  of  Europe,  being  nearly! 
as  large  as  England.  At  Syracuse,  I  entered  the  eva-f 
porating  houses  of  some  salt  works ;  there  were  in  somel 
of  them  twelve  or  fourteen  pans  or  kettles,  arranged  in! 
parsllel  rows,  and  heated  by  fires  at  one  end ;  the  flues! 
of  which  pass  under  all  the  ketdes  of  the  same  row  inl 
succession,  and  discharge  the  smoke  at  the  end  of  the! 


SALT    WORKS    AT    STUACVSK. 


149 


building.     The  pans  nearest  the  fires  are  evaporated  in 
from  four  to  six  iiours,  and  those  at  the  greatest  distance 
in  about   twenty   or  twenty-four.     When  the   water, 
which  is  exceedin<Tiy  saUno,  is  at  first  arhnittcd  into  the 
kettles,  an  iron  vessel,  in  the  shape  of  a  fryini(-])an,  is 
let  down  to  the;  bottom,  having  a  perpendicular  handle 
extending  above  the  surface  of  the  water.     This  vessel 
is  intended  to  collect  particles  of  lime,  or  other  impure 
substances  contained  in  the  water,  and  which  are  always 
precipitated  to  the  b(jttom,  previous  to  the  formation  of 
salt.     The  salt  docs  not  begin  to  form  until  the  water 
lias  acquired  a  certain  temperature.     The  pr()|)rietor  of 
line  of  these  houses  explained  the  various  paiticulars of 
!iis  business,  and  lifted  u})  one  of  the  iron  vessels  Iliave 
mentioned,  to  show  me  the  quantity  of  feculent  matter 
contained  in  the  water:  it  appeared  very  great.     He 
told  me  that  the  daily  measiu'e  of  suit  made  in  his  pans, 
was  nearly  one  Jiundred  l)ushels.     ]*]if,dit  bushels  at  Sy- 
racuse, are  worth  a  dollar ;  and  the  duty  upon  it,  which 
increases  the  cost  to  a  (piarter  of  a  dollar  per  bushel, 
belongs  not  to  the  Federal  Union,  but  to  the  State  of 
Xcw-Y^ork  exclusively,  and  is  applied  to  liquidate  the 
exiieiises  of  their  public  works,  of  v/hich  the  Erie  ca- 
nal is  one.    New- York  state  is  the  most  valuable  in  the 
Union ;  and  must,  from  its  natural  and  artificial  advan- 
tages, always  continue  so. 

Much  chrystalized  salt  is  also  procured  froin  solar 
evaporation:  a  barrel  of  this  last  is  considered  more 
valuable  than  one  of  salt  obtained  by  boiling,  and  will 
bear  the  expenses  of  farther  transportation.  Its  supe- 
riority consists  in  its  greater  strength,  a  smaller  quantity 
of  it  being  equivalent  in  virtue  to  a  larger  of  the  other. 

On  our  arrival  at  Oswego,  thirty-eight  miles  from 
'Syracuse,  I  proceeded  to  the  harboiu'  in  quest  of  a  trad- 
ing vessel  bound  for  York  in  Canada,  and  had  the  good 
fortune  to  find  one  wliich  would  sail  in  an  hour.  J 
iigrced  with  the  captain  for  nine  dollars  lor  myseit', 
tamily  and  baggage  ;  and  he,  on  his  part,  assured  me, 
iiiat  he  would  land  us  sate  in  twcntv-four  hoiu's.  Our 
provisions  were  included  in  the  fare.    Instead  of  reach'* 


i;  I 


1 

il 

f 

1 

■  ;  ■ 

'i^'  ■ 

' 

(    \ 

■     .  } 

\\ 

[^ 

'1 

1^ 

■  >     I 


:  i  ^^^ 


I,' 


!  '  i  •'     ' 

hi'  4 


f 
t 


i         ♦ 


,     *   '   I    ! 


1 1' 

i 


If 


r 


150 


CANADA. 


ing  York  in  one  day,  we  were  five  days  on  the  lake. 
He  had  to  call  at  Youngstown  on  the  American  side,  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  river,  in  order  to  unship  part 
of  his  freight,  and  receive  payment.  There  were  two 
passengers,  besides  ourselves,  equally  disappointed  and 
impatient ;  I  therefore  intimated  to  the  captain,  who 
was  a  good  natured  man,  that  unless  he  proceeded  im^ 
mediately  to  York,  I  would,  when  he  landed  us,  oblige 
him  to  compensate  his  passengers  for  loss  of  time.  He 
declared  to  me,  that  the  storekeepers  had  not  been  able 
to  pay  him,  and  his  stay  for  the  previous  two  days,  had 
arisen  from  this  circumstance ;  he  soon  afterwards 
hoisted  his  sails,  without  being  paid,  I  believe,  and  we 
reached  York  in  the  evening. 

While  detained  at  Youngstown,  I  witnessed  a  scene 
betwen  an  American  and  an  Irishman,  painful  yet  lu- 
dicrous. The  latter  had  been  a  servant  in  the  employ. 
ment  of  the  former,  and  feeling  himself  ill-treated  and 
deprived  of  his  wages,  left  his  employer  in  disgust, 
with  an  intimation  that  he  would  sue  him  for  the  debt. 
The  American  followed  his  servant,  "  independent,  free 
and  equal,"  and  having  overtaken  him  at  this  place,  was 
cuffing  and  shaking  him  most  unmercifully :  "  You  shall 
go  back  with  me,"  he  said,  "  and  submit  to  your  work." 
The  poor  Irishman  swore  he  would  not,  and  the  Ameri- 
can swore  he  should.  I  could  see,  from  the  first,  that 
all  the  American  wanted,  was  to  dismiss  him  without 
payment.  A  great  num})er  of  Americans  were  stand- 
ing near,  enjoying  the  sight,  rapturously  applauding 
their  countryman,  and  encouraging  him  to  pay  Paddy 
his  wages  to  his  hearts  content.  This  the  scoundrel 
continued  to  do,  till  the  brow-beaten  Irishman  agreed 
to  trouble  him  no  further,  and  to  accept  blows  for  wa- 
ges. The  Irish  are  frequently  wronged  and  injured  in 
the  land  of  their  exile !  but  they  have  been  long  op- 
pressed in  their  own  land,  by  those  very  persons  on 
whom  they  have  claims  as  friends  and  brothers.  I 
trust  in  heaven  that  their  long-endured  wrongs  will  ul- 
timately be  redressed. 

The  cabin  of  the  vessel  served  for  the  sitting,  eating. 


VOYAGE  OVER  LAKE  ONTARIO. 


151 


lys  on  the  lake, 
merican  side,  at  j 
r  to  unship  part 
here  were  two 
isappointed  and 
B  captain,  who 
i  proceeded  im- 
inded  us,  oblige 
ss  of  time.  He 
d  not  been  able  I 
;  two  daj^s,  had  i 
)on  afterwards 
elieve,  and  we 

tnessed  a  scene  I 
painful  yet  lu- 
in  the  employ. 
ill-treated  and  I 
''er  in  disgust,! 
im  for  the  debt. 
dependent,  free  I 
this  place,  was 
ly:"  You  shall 
to  your  work." 
and  the  Ameri- 
1  the  first,  that 
ss  him  without  I 
lis  were  stand- 
ily  applauding 
to  pay  Paddy  I 
the  scoundrel 
slim  an  agreed  | 
blows  for  wa- 
and  injured  in 
been  long  op- 
ry  persons  on 
brothers.    I 
will  ul- 


rongs 


sitting,  eating. 


and  sleeping  room  of  passengers,  captain,  and  crew.  I 
expostulated  strongly  on  this  usage,  but  the  captain  in- 
formed me  he  had  no  alternative.  The  place  commonly 
assigned  to  sailors  had  not  been  fitted  up.  We  were 
forced  to  tolerate  this  inconvenience :  the  sailors  slept 
on  the  floor,  and  resigned  the  births  to  the  passengers ; 
but  not  from  choice.  I  frequently  perceived,  in  travel- 
ling, the  unwillingness  with  which  people  in  the  States 
give  precedence  to  the  English.  The  two  first  nights  I 
slept  soundly ;  but  in  consequence  of  becoming  pained  ^ 
from  sleeping  on  a  thin  mattrass,  spread  on  boards,  I  ^ 
passed  the  three  last  nights  without  much  comfort.  On 
the  first  night,  Mrs.  F.,  whose  slumbers  are  generally 
light,  heard  the  sailors  say  to  each  other,  that  they  could  see 
no  reason  why  these  Englishers  should  be  better  accom- 
modated than  they  ;  "  "We  are  as  good  flesh  and  blood," 
they  muttered  aloud,  "  as  these  foreigners."  Thus,  not- 
withstanding we  had  promised  the  captain  his  full  de- 
mand, the  sailors  regarded  this  privilcdge,  and  that  of 
eating  before  them,  with  a  grudge  and  jealousy. 

The  food  generally  placed  before  us  for  dinner,  was 
salt  pork,  potatoes,  bread,  water,  and  salt ;  tea,  bread 
and  butter,  and  sometimes  salt  pork,  for  breakfast  and 
tea ;  no  supper.  Some  displeasure  at  this  fare  was  ex- 
pressed, when  the  cook  informed  us  that  their  vessel  had 
a  better  character  than  anv  on  the  lake  for  liberal  treat- 
ment:  yet  our  munnurs  obtained  for  us  a  quarter  of 
good  lamb  at  Youngstown,  At  this  place  the  captain 
advised  us  to  go  on  shore,  and  board  at  some  inn  till  the 
vessel  might  sail.  "  It  is  quite  uncertain,"  he  observed, 
"when  I  shall  be  at  liberty  to  sail,  for  I  am  not  yet  paid ; 
and  it  is  customary  for  passengers  under  such  circum- 
stances, to  leave  the  vessel."  This  we  all  refused,  and 
declared  that  he  had  deceived  us ;  and  we  would  not, 
therefore,  (juit  the  vessel  till  his  arrival  at  York.  On 
debarking,  he  told  me  that  he  perceived  we  would  suit 
the  countrv,  for  we  knew  how  to  take  care  both  of  our- 
selves  and  our  money. 

Immediately  on  landing,  I  went  in  quest  of  lodgings ; 
l>ut  emigrants  had  begun  to  pour  in  by  hundreds  daily, 


•„ 


'.  i 


I    t 


i 


!■  i 


:  I 


;?'f 


;    I 


III 


152 


CANADA. 


and  all  places  where  boarders  were  admitted  were  al« 
ready  occupied.  The  Archdeacon's  son,  on  learning  my 
difficulty,  accompanied  me  to  two  or  three  houses,  at 
the  last  of  which  we  obtained  lodgings  for  eight  dollars 
a  week — about  one-third  what  they  had  cost  us  in  New- 
York — and  remained  a  fortnight.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bol- 
ton, one  of  the  Professors  of  the  College,  on  hearing  of 
our  arrival,  called  on  us  with  his  lady.  During  the 
course  of  their  visit,  they  described  the  country  as 
abundantly  fertile  ;  but  added,  "  It  is  yet  more  adapted 
to  the  prosperity  of  the  labourer,  mechanic,  and  farmer, 
than  of  other  classes.  It  may  properly  be  termed,  the 
Poor  Man's  Country.  The  prudent,  industrious  man, 
finds  in  it  an  inexhaustible  treasure."  My  stay  was 
sufficiently  protracted  to  shew  me  the  correctness  of  the 
statement. 

The  house  in  which  we  boarded  was  occupied  by  an 
officer  and  his  family,  who  had  resided  for  some  time 
on  a  grant  of  land  to  which  his  service  had  entitled  him. 
They  had  found  a  dwelling-place  among  forests  to  be 
unsuitable  to  their  former  habits,  and  were  obliged,  af- 
ter making  a  great  sacrifice,  to  take  up  their  abode  in  a 
town.  They  had,  at  their  first  arrival,  expected  to  live 
witli  the  same  case  and  embellishments  around  them  as 
in  densely  peopled  countries;  and  had,  consequently, 
provided  such  articles  of  various  kinds  as  ill  accorded 
with  the  place.  Their  clothes  were  too  light,  and  of 
too  fine  a  texture,  to  withstand  the  cold  of  a  Canadian 
winter,  and  were  unsuitable  to  the  labours  of  a  rural 
life.  The  lady  was  obliged,  during  winter,  to  dress  her- 
self in  so  many  gowns  and  under  garments  as  quickly 
Icssciued  her  wardrobe.  The  whole  family,  however, 
were  in  good  health,  although  herself  was  of  a  delicate 
and  slender  figure,  and  had  never  before  been  accus- 
tomed to  hardsliij).  This  lady,  I  am  grieved  to  add,  fell 
a  victim  to  cholera  a  short  time  after. 

At  this  gentleman's  house  wa,j  a  barrister  lately  ar- 
rived from  London,  in  ho])es  of  obtaining  professional 
engagement.  He  had  sufiercd  disappointment,  in  con- 
sequence of  a  prohibition,  unknown  to  him  previously, 


Tiitted  were  al- 
on  learning  my 
three  houses,  at 
or  eight  dollars 
cost  us  in  New- 

Rev.  Mr.  Boj. 
,  on  hearing  of 
f.  During  the 
he  country  as 

more  adapted 
lie,  and  farmer, 

be  termed,  the 
dustrious  man, 

My  stay  was 
rrectness  of  the 

Dccupied  by  an 

for  some  time 

id  entitled  him. 

:  forests  to  be 

3 re  obliged,  af- 

leir  abode  in  a 

pccted  to  live 

round  them  as 

consequently, 

ill  accorded 

light,  and  of 

a  Canadian 

of  a  rural 

to  dress  her- 

s  as  quickly 

ily,  however, 

of  a  delicate 

been  accus- 

d  to  add,  tell 

er  lately  ar- 
professional 
ncnt,  in  con- 
1  previously, 


LS 


rs 


FELLOW-LODGERS. 


153 


which  precludes  an  English  lawyer  from  practising  in 
Canada,  till  after  a  five  years'  apprenticeship  in  the 
country.  He  had  fixed  on  no  plan  at  the  time  we  left 
the  house,  and  I  am  ignorant  of  his  subsequent  fortunes. 
I  was  informed  that  a  law  to  the  same  purport  exists  in 
the  States,  although  legal  proceedings  are  conducted 
much  after  the  English  mode  in  both  countries.  I  at- 
tended the  trial  of  an  action  in  New- York,  and  heard 
our  great  law  authorities  frequently  referred  to  and 
quoted.  This  ought  to  be  well  understood,  that  others 
may  not  be  similarly  tempted  to  leave  their  country, 
and  sustain  the  bitterness  of  blighted  hopes. 

There  were  also  at  the  same  house,  as  boarders,  a 
medical  gentleman  and  his  two  sons,  who  had  arrived 
about  the  same  time  with  us.  He  had  been  an  army 
surgeon,  and  was  ajjpointed  superintendent  of  the  hos- 
pital at  York.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  dining  with  this 
gentleman  at  the  Governor's  :  he  complained  that  parlia- 
mentary grants  were  discontinued,  and  that  those  who 
had  spent  their  lives  in  the  service  of  government  were 
no  longer  rewarded  as  before.  The  retiring  pension  of 
gentlemen  employed  under  government  is  now  paid  in 
money,  and  they  are  obliged,  like  others,  to  enter  the 
market  and  encounter  fair  and  open  competition.  This 
iscertainiy  just  and  equitable  ;  but  gentlemen  so  situated 
no  longer  obtain  the  same  extent  of  acres,  for  land  has 
risen  in  value.  It  will  be  seen  from  this  that  great  im- 
partiality is  exercised.  I  can  bear  witness  the  fact, 
that  every  industrious  man  who  settles  in  Canada  will 
find  a  greater  degree  of  freedom,  and  a  [smaller  weight 
of  taxation,  stricter  regard  to  equitable  and  impartial 
measures,  and  a  closer  assimilation  of  all  ranks,  than  in 
any  other  country,  the  United  States  not  excepted.  He 
will,  in  many  respects,  be  more  favourably  circumstan- 
ced than  even  those  whom,  in  other  places,  he  might  be 
tempted  to  envy.  He  will,  if  really  deserving,  obtaui 
full  employment,  ample  remuneration,  secure  invest- 
ments for  his  money,  and  may  live  with  equality  of  pri- 
vileges, and  perfect  independence ;  without  finding  tnat 
there  is  one  law  for  the  wealthy  or  the  favoured  few, 


M 


Hi 


:;l 


■Kill? 


■lit 


I  1 1 


j.:i 


K  ! 


[     '!' 


t 


I'M    ' 


i 


!.  J      ) 


3  ;. 


(  ■    •  > 


'  I 


ii  fl 


V 

■1  >. 


,'i.     iv 

1     ! 

\       '1    i 

|- 

'         It       ! 

1 

lit  ■ 

i^Hi    Mv' 

154 


CANADA. 


and  another  for  the  poor  or  the  industrious.  He  can 
obtain  equally  excellent  land,  and  on  as  favourable  terms 
as  the  officers  of  government. 

Two  other  gentlemen,  brothers,  the  elder  of  whom 
had  been  employed  four  years  in  New- York,  were  in- 
mates  of  the  same  house.  They  were  highly  respecta- 
ble, and  were  employed  in  an  iron-foundry ;  the  steam- 
engine  for  a  boat  on  Lake  Simcoe,  was  manufactured 
under  their  superintendence.  The  elder  brother  spoke 
favourably  of  Americans,  whom  he  represented  as  more 
enterprising  than  the  people  of  Canada,  or  perhaps  of 
any  other  country  ;  yet  he  had  adopted  Canada  in  pre- 
ference,  and  had  purchased  property  in  it ;  and  found 
that,  by  his  industry  and  talents,  his  riches  were  rapidlyr 
increasing. 

During  the  fortnight  we  were  in  York,  the  corner 
stone  of  an  elegant  church  was  laid  by  the  Governor, 
with  the  usual  solemnity :  the  Archdeacon  delivered  an 
appropriate  sermon.  In  consequence  of  oversight  in 
tlie  managers,  no  separate  accommodations  were  pre- 
pared for  ladies,  and  they  wore  under  the  necessity  of 
struggling  through  the  crowd,  or  of  being  excluded, 
This  new  church  is  contiguous  to  a  former  one  of  wood, 
from  the  belfry  of  which  the  place  where  the  corner 
stone  was  laid  could  be  distinctly  seen.  The  Arch 
deacon's  lady  and  daughters,  with  some  other  ladies, 
ascended  to  the  belfry,  but  the  room  was  already  so 
crowded  with  spcctat(3rs,  tliat  admission  to  the  windows 
was  impossible,  unless  some  of  the  others  would  rcsiirn 
tlieir  place.  I  interceded  for  the  ladies,  but  those  who 
were  already  on  the  vantage-ground  refused  to  resign  it. 
and  the  ladies  were  conse(iucntly  debarred.  This 
proves  how  strongly  the  spirit  of  independence  exists 
in  Canada,  as  well  as  in  the  States.  A  great  diflerence, 
however,  is  perceptible  between  American  and  Cana- 
dian manners.  The  old  church,  I  imagine,  will  bo  re- 
moved, when  the  new  one,  which  is  of  stone,  shall  have 
been  completed.  It  will  form  one  of  the  ornaments  of 
that  capital. 

The  number  of  brick  and  wood  buildings  in  progress 


of  ereci 
were  b| 
were  bi 
and  the 
to  the  il 
were  enj 
church 
buck,   a| 
house  is 
lor  the  al 
iiiL'  a  p| 
iKipulati( 
iiiir  squi 
Istreets,  \ 
m  end, 
inwu-hal 
[aivhway 
iiarket  \a 
ivhich  fa( 
:\vo  sides 
nd  cutti 
lis  are 
the  sq 
iThc  con\ 
df.  lias  r 
Ithe  State: 
Tlic  he 
lllie  west 
and  not  f 
|i!ie  cutrai 
'Icu'ant  b 
uurk  ;u*o 

;0t  of   il 

biutificc 
"ad  pass 
ilong  the 
nilos,  aiK 
aiul  drive 
prDSfi'css 
'hu  wale: 


JilAlRKti'r.tlOtSfi 


155 


of  erection  was  quite  surprising.     All  over  the  town 
were  building-lots,  on  which  masons  and  carpenters 
were  busy.  The  saw,  the  axe,  the  chissel,  the  hammer, 
and  the  trowel,  resounded  on  every  side.     In  addition 
to  the  numerous  private  buildings  in  ^\  hich  workmen 
wore  engaged,  there  were  some  public  edifices,  as  the 
church  I  have  mentioned,  a  capacious  market-house  of 
jbrick,   and   the  houses   of  parliament.     The   market- 
house  is  a  quadrangular  building  of  great  extent,  fitted 
k  the  accommodation  of  a  much  larger  i)lace,  and  hav- 
ing' a  prospective  reference  to  the  rapidly  increasing 
population.     It  stands  ujton  a  block  of  ground  of  an  ob- 
i(iii2f  square,  occupying  the  area  contained  l)etwecn  four 
streets,  with  a  dead  wall  on  its  two  longer  sides.     At 
(lie  end,  which  faces  the  principal  street  of  the  town,  a 
town-hall  is  erected,  through  the  centre  of  which  is  an. 
archway,  and  a  street  passing  down  the  middle  of  the 
inrket  within,  to  a  similar  archway  at  the  opposite  end, 
ivliich  faces  the  waters  of  the  harbour.     On  tlie  other 
wo  sides  are  parallel  streets,  passing  from  side  to  side, 
11(1  cutting  the  former  at  riglit  angles.     The  market- 
:;ills  are,  consequently,  all  formed  to  face  the  interior 
if  the  square,  and  are  not  observable  from  Avitliout. 
[The  convenience  of  this  building,  and  the  building  it- 
jsclf,  has  no  equal  of  the  kind  even  in  New- York  or  in 
e  States. 

The  houses  of  parliament  ai  ■  beautifully  sitiinted  on 

lllie  west  end  of  the  town,  near  the  Governor's  residence, 

and  not  far  from  the  college ;  ihey  iaco  the  water  near 

lie  entrance  of  the  harbour.    The  jirinci})al  })art  o['  tliese 

lant  buildings  is  of  brick,  but  with  ornamented  stone 

iV'jrk  ju'ound  the  doors,  windows,  <Sic.     Tiie  extensi\'e 

ot  of  n:round  encirclinf?  them  has  been  leveik'd  and 

•eautified.     In  front  of  thein  a  spacious  i...d  delightful 

";ul  passes  from  the  chief  landing-place  in  the  hnrbour, 

Viiig  the  summit  of  the  banks  ot  the  lake,  lor  several 

nilos,  and  will  be  one  of  the  most  beautiful  pronvMiadrs 

lul  drives  imaginable,  when  the  improvements  now  in 

iv)[riess  are  completed.     No  building  between  it  and 

he  water  is  permitted  to  be  raised.     JSeveral  extensive 


I     I 


¥  I  n 


',r  i  i  I 


il 


? 


'  1  '    i 


1/  (  ', 

I    ' 


'^      .'4 


« 


i 

i  I' 
f 

I     i 

.  i 


Us 


M   •.  I 


i:i  ' 


'j     I 


i; 


■•'i 


t 


i  (, 


:  ■  11^ 


N    I 

'.I 


156 


CANADA. 


and  imposing  mansions  and  residences  line  the  ulterion 
margin  of  this  road,  on  both  sides  of  the  parliamenJ 
houses,  and  command  an  extensive  view  of  the  lake) 
Yorktown  has  a  fine  appearance  as  we  approach  it  fron 
the  water,  and  has  become  much  more  healthy  sine 
the  draining  of  the  marshes. 

The  Archdeacon,  with  his  lady,  called  on  us,  and 
kindly  offered  me  a  horse  to  i '.  \e  on,  whenever  I  migM 
desire  it.  To  this  gentlem.  ^  am  indebted  for  more 
favours  than  need  be  mentioned,  all  of  them  conferred 
with  the  greatest  readiness,  and  without  the  expectation 
or  even  the  possibility  of  requital.  Perhaps  I  migtij 
have  imagined  myself  a  particular  favourite,  had  I  noj 
found  out  that  his  kindness  extends  to  all  of  every  class 
whose  condition  requires  his  assistance.  His  dispositioii 
is  benevolent  and  open,  and  Heaven  has  blessed  hii 
with  resources  which  he  employs  for  the  benefit  of  bi 
fellow-men.  Of  this  kindness  I  failed  not  to  avail  myj 
self,  and  rode  on  his  horse  several  times  to  my  nev 
church  at  Thornhill. 

The  house  promised  at  Thornhill,  where  my  churcli 
was  situated,  could  not  be  procured  for  us.  The  gentle] 
man  who  ibrmerly  received  me  so  kindly,  informed  nief 
that  the  title  was  disputed,  and  possession  not  yet  giver 
and  that  for  the  present  I  must  content  myself  will] 
lodgings.  Lodgings  were  accordingly  provided  instead 
of  the  house,  consisting  of  five  rooms,  three  above  and 
two  below,  and  comprising  one  half  of  a  large  mansion] 
The  upper  rooms  were  merely  lathed,  but  not  plastered/ 
and  consequently  could  be  seen  into  from  the  outside] 
As  another  family,  the  owners  of  the  mansion,  and  thcf 
estate  it  pertained  to,  resided  in  the  same  house,  w 
made  no  use  of  them  except  for  our  servant. 

Had  tho  inside  of  our  residence  corresponded  vvitlil 
the  outside,  it  might  have  been  counted  among  tlicl 
beauties  of  Canada.  It  was  delighJully  situated  on  the 
summit  of  a  hill  not  far  from  the  church,  and  above  al 
pleasant  bend  of  the  valley.  A  perennial  stream,  suf-j 
ficient  at  all  times  to  give  motion  to  a  grist  and  s;iw[ 
mill,  ran  through  the  grounds  a  little  below.     In  fruntJ 


PABSONAGG. 


157 


1,  and  above  a 


but  at  the  distance  of  three  hundred  yards,  were  the 
expanded  waters  of  a  mill  pond,  forming  a  small  lake, 
which  gave  variety  to  the  scenery,  and  was  exceedingly 
agi-eeable  from  the  prospect  it  afforded.  Behind  this 
sheet  of  water  was  a  thick  grove  of  lofty  pines,  stand- 
ing on  a  steep  acclivity.  The  view  from  the  house  was 
extensive,  and  commanded  a  sight  of  Yonge  Street  for 
a  considerable  distance  on  both  sides.  The  village  of 
Thornhill,  a  thriving  and  increasing  place,  was  on  nearly 
the  same  level,  and  one  third  of  a  mile  distant.  We 
were  surrounded  on  ell  sides  by  families  of  great  res- 
pectability, from  whom  we  received  every  attention  we 
could  wish.  The  same  conveniences,  however,  could 
not  be  obtained  as  in  a  large  and  more  populous  place ; 
and  this  formed  the  grievance  of  which  my  family  after* 
wards  complained. 

Mrs.  F.  was  imp:itient  to  enter  her  parsonage  house,- 
las  she  imagined  when  we  left  New- York,  she  could 
speedily  do,  and  was  already  wearied  with  confinement 
to  one  room  in  a  boarding  house.  She  hastened  me  to 
take  her  from  York  into  the  countrv,  even  should  the 
house  not  prove  so  convenient  in  all  respects  as  she  could 
wish.  I  lost  no  time  in  making  such  arrangements  as 
were  in  my  power.  We  took  possession  of  our  lodg- 
iii<rs.  Dissatisfaction  however,  soon  evinced  itself.  She 
grew  more  and  more  averse  every  hour  to  continue, 
and  her  first  impressions  could  never  be  effaced. 

The  gentleman  who  had  actively  interfered  in  procur- 
m  for  us  the  lodging,  had  a  few  things  done  for  our  con- 
venience, and  omitted  nothing  in  his  power  to  make  us 
comfortable.  All  the  most  respectable  of  oiu'  neigh- 
l)ours,  and  several  of  them  w^ere  highly  respectable, 
and  very  wealthy,  and  influential,  had  visited  us  on  our 
arrival,  and  welcomed  us  to  Thornhill.  When  we 
alluded  to  our  apartments  and  furniture,  they  replied 
invariably,  that  they  had  encountered  the  same  incon- 
veiiiencies  to  a  greater  extent ;  and  that  a  little  time, 
exertion,  and  expense,  would  completely  remove  our 
disquietudes.  The  lady  of  the  house,  where  I  remained 
all  night  on  my  first  ramble  up  Yonge  Street,  accommo- 

o 


V 


!i 


I     -i 


1. 

-.1 


It 


M( 


; 


!     t 


I      i 


?  ; 


!     H: 


'    >  '    i 


iiHr 


i  u 


:t ' 


j     I     !    ;  t    ?  •' 
1(    M    ■     i  ■ 


I      •  » 


1    , 


'f  t 


if 
)  ■ 


(  .1 


!      I  5 


;. 


i  ^ 

n 

;  I     , 


i  > 


f  I 


i  1  : 


156 


CAKABA. 


dated  us  most  obligingly  with  a  good  feather  bed,  which 
she  permitted  us  to  use  during  our  residence  at  Thorn- 
hill. 

The  manner  in  which  we  lived  was  not  very  splen- 
did, but  sufficiently  accorded  with  the  country  and  our 
recent  arrival.  The  house  had  no  oven.  One  had 
been  built,  which  was  fallen  to  decay.  The  bread  \vc 
eat  was  consequently  either  thin  cakes  or  loaves,  baked 
in  a  pan.  We  could  sometimes,  but  not  regularly,  have 
bread  from  York ;  but  as  we  could  not  depend  on  such 
luxury,  and  as  the  obligation  we  seemed  to  owe  to  the 
person  who  brought  it,  appeared  greater  than  the  favour. 
we  discontinued  our  orders  for  its  supply. 

It  was  not  always  possible  to  obtain  joints  of  fresh 
meat  when  wanted.  There  are  no  butchers'  stalls  in 
country  yJaccs,  at  which  a  constant  supply  of  meat  i; 
provided.  Wo  were  consequently  often  debarred  from 
such  food  for  several  days  together,  and  had  only  salted 
pork,  and  puddings  or  pics ;  with  fish,  when  I  could  tind 
opportunity  to  go  to  York.  Our  usual  drink  was  tea. 
into  which  a  little  whiskey  or  brandy  had  been  infused. 
Sometimes  a  little  wine  and  water.  Mrs.  F.  occasional- 
ly procured  ale  for  herself,  at  the  price  of  eight-pence 
per  quart.  Butter,  milk,  cheese,  &c.  are  attainable,  but 
not  at  l(jwer  prices  than  in  England.  Cheshire  cheese 
was  between  three  and  four  shillings  per  lb. 

Our  landlady  was  a  widow,  and  had  come  originally 
from  A^ew-York.  She  was  one  of  the  United  States 
Loyalists,  and  the  second  or  third  person  who  settled  at 
Thornhill.  This  was  at  a  time  when  Yonge  Street 
was  no  better  than  a  continuous  forest,  and  a  foot-path, 
or  at  most  a  horse-path,  was  their  only  road.  At  that 
period,  their  wheat  had  to  be  carried  through  forests,  or 
by  water,  fifty  or  sixty  miles,  befoie  it  could  be  con- 
verted into  flour ;  and.  letters  might  remain  for  six 
months  in  the  Post-Olfice  at  York,  before  they  could  be 
forwarded  to  the  proper  persons.  Our  landlady  some 
times  alluded  to  the  changes  she  had  witnessed  in  the 
removal  of  forests,  the  cultivation  of  lands,  and  in  con- 
veniencies  of  all  kinds.     But  she  deplored  these  chan- 


ges; sij 
'jeneral 
rather 
ous  M 
dcnce 
tiers, 
most  ot 
jierself 
with  w 
nathv. 
The 
with  a 
irovcd 
and  wit 
publicai 
down  C 
be  able 
the  cha 
lady,  a  1 
not  like 
physiciE^ 
duced,  g 
possessii 
her  land 
nally  cc 
with  it. 
lime,  ai 
found  hi 
wife, 
had  pre 

This 
During 
told,  foi 
beautifu 
married 
for  evei 

Ame 
as  it  is 
worth, 
every  ] 


OUR   LANDLADY. 


159 


Ues;  since  people  from  England  of  some  capital,  who 
(.'enerally  prefer  to  purchase  farms  partially  cleared 
rather  than  seclude  themselves  within  almost  impervi- 
ous forests,  were  hereby  induced  to  take  up  their  resi- 
dence along  the  road,  and  to  buy  out  the  original  set- 
tlers. She  had  witnessed  the  departure  or  death  of 
most  of  her  co-temporary  settlers ;  and  began  to  feel 
iiersclf  among  a  strange  people  ot"  another  generati(jn, 
with  whom  she  had  Uttle  intercourse  and  less  sym- 
pathy. 

The  former  husband  of  our  landlady  had  left  her 
with  a  family  of  sons  and  dtiughters,  with  a  highly  im- 
proved farm,  with  flocks  of  sheep  and  herds  of  cattle, 
and  with  five  hundred  pounds  in  money.  American  re- 
publicans have  been  frequently  found  prowling  up  and 
down  Canada,  in  search  of  something  which  they  might 
be  able  to  convert  into  their  own  profit,  regardless  of 
the  character  or  welfare  of  their  dupes.  Our  land- 
lady, a  handsome  widow  with  a  handsome  fortune,  w^as 
I  not'  likely  to  continue  undiscovered.  One  of  them,  a 
physician  by  profession,  learned  her  history,  was  intro- 
duced, gained  her  heart,  and  married  her.  He  obtained 
possession  also  of  her  cattle  and  her  money ;  but  n(jt  of 
her  land,  for  this  was  a  grant  from  government  origi- 
nally conveyed  to  herself,  aud  ghe  would  never  part 
with  it.  This  American,  after  living  with  her  for  some 
time,  and  obtaining  all  she  possessed  but  her  farm, 
found  his  wav  back  into  the  States,  where  he  had  another 
wife.  The  catLle  and  money  obtained  by  our  landlady 
had  previously  discppeared. 

This  is  by  no  means  a  solitary  instance  of  such  tricks. 
During  tiie  year  we  were  there,  an  American,  I  was 
told,  found  his  way  to  the  affections  of  a  young  and 
beautiful  Canadian,  and  to  the  purse  of  her  father.  He 
married  her,  and  secured  her  fortune,  and  then  vanished 
lor  ever,  from  the  confines  of  her  country. 

Americans  boast  of  their  skill  in  money-making ;  aud 
as  it  is  the  only  standard  of  dignity,  and  nobility,  and 
worth,  in  that  country,  they  endeavour  to  obtain  it  by 
every  possible  means,    A  person  in  Canada  informed 


I 


1 


"I 


i    1- 


160 


CANADA. 


me,  that  he  and  another  gentleman,  once  overheard  two 
American  fathers,  arranging  a  marriage  between  a  son 
and  a  daughter.  The  bridogroom's  father  had  but  little 
fortune  to  bestow,  and  the  father  of  the  bride  would  not 
give  his  consent  to  such  a  degrading  union.  The  other 
hereupon  assured  him,  that  his  son  was  deserving  of  the 
wealthiest  lady  in  America,  and  then  recounted  niune 
rous  instances  of  successful  and  clever  villany,  of  which 
his  boy  had  been  guilty,  and  which  the  young  ladv'j 
father  admitted  as  equivalent  to  a  fortune.  I  hearcrso 
many  instances  of  well-accredited  cunning  and  knavery 
practised  by  Americans  on  Canadians,  that  a  volume 
might  be  filled  with  such  incidents.  Some  of  the  talcs 
are  false,  no  doubt,  or  at  least  exaggerated.  Yet  tuo 
many  are  sufficiently  authenticated,  and  have  been  ac- 
companied by  so  much  notoriety^  as  to  prevent  the  impu- 
tation of  falsehood  or  enlargement. 


Canal 
Ourl 
and  ti 


,1  •.'    i 


1'  :! 


.     ( 


•, 


\  ( 


(    ■' 


' :  4 


i  • 

1  '1;, 


CHAPTER  III. 


in  Canaan ' 


Cholera — Our  Preservation— Its  prevalence  in  the  Sta 
— C-r.:ii-"  ri!i!r.lllIopy-.rreventives  of  Cholera— Effect  of  Fo- 
rest  Rambles — Remedies  for  Cholera — Its  Infectious  Nature— Cases 
of  Cholera — Death  of  a  Medical  Gentleman — Of  a  Young  Lady. 

I  HAVE  often  felt  how  remarkably  I  and  my  family 
have  been  preserved  during  all  our  travels  and  residences 
in  America  and  Canada,  when  I  consider  the  multiplied 
instances  of  sickness  and  mortality  which  encompassed 
us  on  every  side,  while  we  were  still  spared.  We  had 
entered  New- York  at  a  season  of  general  sickness,  and 
our  family  did  not  altogether  escape.  Yet  the  temporary 
illness  we  endured  was  followed  by  better  health  than  we 
had  enjoyed  for  years.  I  had  been  at  all  the  places 
where  cholera  raged  in  its  utmost  latitude,  and  had  only 
just  departed  when  it  made  its  appearance.  Our  two 
boarding  houses  ia  New- York,  apd  the  oi^e  ia  York,  in 


I  •  •  ■ 


CHOLERA    IN    THE    STATES. 


101 


Canada,  had  each  a  visitation  of  this  dreadful  scourge. 
Our  landlady's  father-in-law  and  daugluer  were  attacked, 
and  the  former  died.  We  lived  tliree  months  in  its  more 
immediate  sphere;  and  there  were  numberless  in^^tances  of 
its  fatal  virulence  on  every  side,  over  seven  of  whom  I  per- 
formed the  last  sad  officesof  a  minister.  Yet  we  all  (^scaped. 
We  had,  indeed,  three  weeks  illness  from  orditiary  cholera— 
the  cholera  of  the  country;  but  not  more  than  mis^ht  be 
looked  for  from  so  complete  a  change  of  diet  and  cHmate, 
and  from  the  numerous  vexations  we  felt  or  fancied. 

I  had  hardly  departed  from  Quebec,  after  my  attendance 
on  the  bishop,  before  this  plague  broke  out  w  ith  violence. 
Before  we  left  New- York  for  Canada,  the  papers  there 
were  filled  with  accounts  of  its  ravages  at  Quebec.  It 
soon  extended  its  desolating  progress  to  Montreal ;  from 
'A'hence  it  branched  off'  in  two  directions;  to  Whitehall, 
Albany,  Troy,  and  New- York,  and  to  all  the  towns  and 
villages  on  the  F-^rie  canal  on  one  side ;  and  to  the  Cana- 
diaii  towns  on  the  margin  of  the  lake,  and  to  some  towns 
in  the  interior  of  the  country,  on  the  other.  It  fell  upon 
New-York  with  dreadful  fury,  and  so  great  was  the  panic 
it  occasioned,  that  a  dispersion  and  llight  from  the  city 
took  place,  haiilly  to  be  paralleled  for  amount  and  rapidi- 
ty. One  half  of  the  inhabitants  were  said  to  be  fright- 
ened from  home,  and  to  take  refuge  on  Long  Island,  or  on 
the  shoi'es  of  some  of  the  Eastern  States.  Great  numbers 
of  houses  and  stores  were  entirely  closed.  Almost  every 
person,  wliom  business  or  pecuniary  need  did  not  detain 
in  the  city,  left  his  dwelling,  after  securing  his  doors  and 
window^s.  Many  stores  and  houses  were  shut  up,  even 
where  the  owner  remained  at  home,  lest  any  customer  or 
friend  should  communicate  the  plague.  'l\'iere  was  an 
entire  stagnation  to  trade.  The  numbers  of  the  dead 
were  so  great,  that  human  bodies  were  conveyed  in  cart 
loads  to  places  of  interment,  and  put  promiscuously  into 
graves.  I  believe  none  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  in  the 
city,  but  one  or  two  on  the  island,  and  several  medical 
gentlemen,  were  among  the  number  of  the  dead.  The 
authenticated  deaths  were  between  six  and  seven  thou 


u 


I  ,, 


I'ii 


';' 


f     ; 

^ 


1   ! 


^  !' 


■  rf 


'  < 


1 »' 


I- 1 

i   1 


i 

'ft 


) 

!    t 

n 


i 


J  ^ 


!  i' 


'  Ml 


'i 


•  I 


if 


,  I 


4 
.  iill 

'  m 


162 


CANADA. 


sand  ;  and  many  hundreds  were  imagined  to  have  taken 
place  which  were  never  reported. 

If  we  suppose  that  nearly  one-half  of  those  resident  :•> 
New- York  were  panic-struck,  and  put  to  flight  at  its  first 
appearance,  and  that  seven  thousand  of  the  remaining 
half  fell  before  it,  we  should  find  that  about  one  in  six- 
teen were  ushered  by  it  into  eternity.  This  seems  an 
awful  mortality  ;  but  not  equal  in  comparative  extent  to 
what  took  place  in  York  in  Upper  Canada.  In  that  ill- 
faled  capital,  between  six  and  seven  hundred  died, 
although  the  population  is  but  six  or  seven  thousand  ;— 
about  one  in  ten.  Yet  we  must  not  omit  to  mention, 
that  a  great  majority  of  those  who  died  were  recent  emi- 
grants. In  some  parts  of  the  States  the  poor  emigrants 
were  harshly  repulsed,  as  if  the  occasion  of  the  mala''  : 
and  were  abandoned  to  their  fate  along  the  roads  and 
canals. 

Many  conjectures  were  entertained,  as  to  the  modes  by 
which  cholera  found  a  communication  from  one  place  to 
another.  Some  aflirmed,  that  it  passed  along  under  the 
surface  of  the  ground  ;  others,  that  water  was  a  conduc- 
tor, from  observing  that  the  towns  situated  near  lakes  or 
rivers  sulTered  in  a  conspicuous  degree  ;  others  again,  that 
it  was  borne  along  on  the  wings  of  the  wind.  I  read  in 
a  New- York  paper,  that  Mrs.  Taylor's  family  where  we 
had  boarded,  caught  from  some  liides  which  were  depo- 
sited in  a  warehouse  adjoining  their  house.  It  was  also 
suggested,  that  the  innumerable  herds  of  swine  in  New- 
York  streets,  had  an  active  part  in  spreading  the  disorder.  I 

The  newspapers  there  expressed  a  just  condemnation 
against  street-going  hogs,  and  recommended  the  enforce- 
ment of  a  regulation,  which  imposes  a  fine  of  five  dollars 
upon  those  who  allow  their  hogs  to  range  at  large.  I  had 
hoped  to  find,  on  my  return  from  Canada,  that  this  pub- 
lic niii^auce,  by  means  of  papers  and  t!ie  strictures  of 
difierent  authors,  had  been  abated  ;  but  w  is  disajipointed 
on  finding  that  it  was  as  great  as  ever.  The  lawyers  and 
judges  dare  not  inflict  any  nmlct  or  censure,  where  many 
persons  have  conspired  to  transgress.     They,  like  gen- 


CHOLERA    IN    THE    STATES. 


163 


sd  to  have  taken 


ilemen  of  other  profesjrions,  are  the  creatures  of  the  mob, 
and  have  not  the  liardihood  to  ofTend  it,  by  a  rigorous 
I  adherence  to  their  duly. 

This  afflictive  plas^ue  was  severely  felt  in  many  parts 
lofboth  America  and  Canada,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to 
jX)int  out  where  it  pr  valence  was  most  extensive.  In 
OHC  American  paper,  I  read  accounts  of  the  death  of  four 
canal-boat  captains.  There  were  few  boats,  to  which  it 
did  not  pay  a  visit.  I  was  told,  that  the  greatest  severity 
experienced  from  it  in  the  States,  was  amongst  the  sol- 
diers employed  ngaiiist  the  Indians.  It  might  appear, 
that  Heaven  regarded  with  disapprobation  the  Punic  faith 
of  Americans,  and  afflicted  their  martial  operations  with 
unwonted  chastise n>ent.  Officers,  men,  and  cattle,  died 
in  promiscuous  crowds. 

In  that  boundless  country,  the  cholera  had  not  accom- 
plished its  rounds  before  we  embarked  for  England.  It 
was  extending  its  march  through  the  western  forests, 
accompanied  by  desolating  effects.  In  every  place  it 
entered,  there  was  a  rapid  depopulation.  It  invaded  the 
I  town  of  Cincinnati,  rendered  memorable  by  a  lady's 
Siaphic  pen,  and  occasioned  a  panic  similar  to  that  of 
New- York.  The  daily  number  of  deaths  in  that  place 
alone,  when  we  loft  America,  was  reported  in  the  papers 
to  be  thirty-six,  and  the  numbers  were  said  to  be  on  the 
increase. 

One  curious  feature  in  the  American  character,  ex- 
tremely foreign  to  an  Englishman,  is  this,  that  no  social 
bond  exists  there.  sulBcieiitly  close  to  connect  the  different 
members  of  the  bodv  politic,  so  as  to  insure  assistance 
from  one  another  in  seasons  of  general  distress.  "Every 
man  for  himseH',''  is,  perhaps,  more  fully  and  regularly 
acted  on  in  America,  than  elsewhere.  This  was  striking- 
ly exemplified  in  New- York,  and  in  other  places  where 
cholera  raged,  ))v  tlie  tliiiiit  of  the  wealth  v.  and  of  such 
as  could  conveniently  withdraw.  Many  of  (he  medical 
profession  imitated  the  flight  •)f  their  splendid  neighbours, 
and  abandoned  the  less  fortunate  part  of  their  fellow-citi- 
zens in  the  hour  of  danger. 


I 


I    ''  I 


'Jt 

(  (i 


:liii 


•  ^ 


'4: ' 
1 


.' 


Ml: 

1 


i 


»*  .  *     i 
I-     I 

.    '1  11'. 


[=. 


«    I  ; 

;   ,1   -,■ 


i  i ' 


» » 


'  ■  !■   1 


I.      ;     I, 


II 


*    1 

1 

1 

1 

■'  'll 

1 

i 

1 
I 

;' 

( 

(    ^ 

;,    L 

Hi 

f'    'U 

\  .    lifl 

1 

i 

t'  1 

i    ' 

'   1 

i.  . 

i  i 

!  I 

':  . .! , 

1  ■ 

•.    r.i. 

1,M 

'i!  i 

1 ; .  i 

164 


CANADA. 


I  heard  of  no  clergyman  of  any  denomination,  who, 
in  tills  tryinp:  peason,  withdrew  from  the  scene  of  hi 
sacred  ministrations. 

In  Canadian  towns,  no  such  absence  of  sympathy  wai 
betrayed.  S(!n.rcely  any  persons  left  the  places,  where  iti 
desolating  inHueiice  was  most  destructive.  In  York,  an 
other  places  of  Canada,  every  available  assistance,  as  wel 
pecuniary  as  medical,  was  rendered  to  the  distressed ;  and 
the  patients  received  attendance  and  consolation  to  (hel 
very  last.  The  more  opulent  part  of  the  population  wera 
strenuous  in  their  endeavours  to  mitigate  the  sutferinffs  oj 
others,  by  every  means  in  their  power.  They  exhibited 
a  striking  cout'a^t,  in  this  particular,  to  Americans. 

But  Canaiiinn  benevolence  did  not  rest  here.  The 
governor,  the  airluleacon,  and  other  leading  men  residenlj 
in  York,  were  con^^picuously  active  in  providing  perma-| 
nent  resources  fc»r  orphans  left  destitute  by  cholera.  The 
gentry  and  resjiiH-table  people  around,  admitted  orphans! 
as  part  of  tlicir  h  )iii=ebold,  and  engaged  to  feed,  clothej 
and  educate  thcMi  till  a  certain  age  ;  after  the  expiration! 
of  which  ihey  promised  to  furnish  to  their  foster-childienl 
a  certain  sum  of  in  )iK?y,  and  some  articles  of  utility  in  thel 
business  or  employment  to  which  they  might  be  traiued.! 
They  thus  became  fathers  to  the  fatherless,  and  abatedl 
the  miseries  ent.uled  on  hundreds  by  this  epidemic  plague,! 

Various  mellnvls  were  resorted  to,  as  preventives  or 
remedies  of  cliolcva.     The  best  preventives  were  alvvaysl 
declared  to  be,  wh;it  can  in  general  be  obtained  in  thai 
country  by  all.  \  iz.  plenty  of  nutricious  food ;  an  adhe- 
rence as  much  vs  possible  to  long-established  habits;  suf- 
ficient repose  ol  mind  and  body;  abstinence  from  excesses] 
of  all  kinds ;  as  well  as  from  every  sort  of  fruit,  particu- 
larly water-melon.s  ;  and  from  every  thing  likely  to  pro- 1 
duce  irritation  of  the  gastric  nerve,  such  as  excessive  and] 
unaccustomed  bodily  exercise,  (fcc. 

With  all  these  preventives  I  complied  ns  far  as  possible. ' 
Duiing  ail  the  summer,  whilst  cholera  raged  in  York  and 
its  neighbourhood,  I  rarely  went  so  far.   It  appeared  more 
prudent  to  avoid  every  exposure  to  heat,  than  to  walk  a 


lomination,  wh(), 
he  scene  of  hi 

3f  sympathy  wa 
places,  where  it! 
!.     In  York,  an 
ssistance,  as  well 
E  distressed ;  i 
insolation  to  th 
;  population  wen 
1  the  sutferina:s  o 
They  exhiijitei 
Americans, 
rest  here.     Th 
ing-  men  resideni 
roviding  perma 
jy  cholera.   Thi 
dmitted  orphans 
I  to  feed,  clothe, 
iv  the  expirationl 
ir  foster-children 
s  of  utility  in  the 
light  be  traiued.l 
'ss,  and  abated 
ipidemic  plague, 
preventives  or 
[es  were  always 
obtained  in  thai 
(food ;  an  adhe- 
led  habits ;  suf- 
le  from  excesses 
[f  fruit,  particu- 
likely  to  pro- 
excessive  and 

1  far  as  possible. 

3d  in  York  and 

[appeared  more 

lan  to  walk  a 


EFFECT  OF  FOREST  RAMBLES. 


165 


distance  of  thirteen  miles  in  a  warm  day ;  and  as  my 
continuance  in  the  country  was  of  uncertain  duration,  I 
did  not  purchase  a  horse;  which  I  otherwise  would  have 
done.  The  great  hospitality  and  kindness  of  several 
gentlemen  in  tlie  neighbourhood  prompted  them  to  oflfer 
uie  their  horses,  and  I  sometimes  availed  myself  of  the 
iivour.  My  most  frequent  rambles,  when  pleasure  was 
my  only  stimulus  for  exercise,  were  directed  to  some 
neighbour's,  to  mai^e  inquiries  respecting  the  spread  of 
the  contagion,  and  other  matters  of  a  similar  nature  ;  or 
to  while  away  an  hour  in  amusing  converse.  The  most 
amusing  gentlemen  I  met  with  at  Thornhill  was  from 
Scotland  ;  one  who  had  resided  for  some  years  in  Boston, 
Led  who  had  married  the  daughter  of  the  British  consul 
at  that  place.  He  was  well  actjuainted  with  the  Ameri- 
can character,  and  related  many  humorous  anecdotes  of 
the  country  and  its  people.  Had  I  taken  them  down  in 
notes  as  he  related  liiem,  and  found  leisure  to  grace  them 
with  a  few  embellishments,  I  might  have  been  qualified 
to  furnish  to  the  public  a  series  of  tales,  as  entertaining, 
and  containing  as  many  truths,  as  the  stories  of  Boc- 
caccio. 

I  often  strayed  through  some  parts  of  the  forests,  the 
dense  and  sombre  shade  of  which  screened  me  from  the 
powerful  rays  of  noon-day  splendour. 

At  first  I  experienced  unusual  shudderings,  from  the 
surrounding  solitude,  and  the  uncertainty  of  my  path. 
But  every  renewal  of  such  excursions  lessened  my  disa- 
greeable sensations,  till  at  last  my  mind  became  quite 
reconciled  to  wilderness  scenes,  and  derived  a  trantjuil 
pleasure  from  their  presence.  A  longer  residence 
might  have  ended,  as  I  believe  it  would,  in  so  firm  an 
attachment  to  that  charming  region,  that  not  even  my 
promise  to  Mrs.  F.  would  have  caused  a  resignation. 
Vothing  vvas  wanting  but  her  acquiescenoe,  a  good 
library  of  useful  and  entertaining  works,  a  comfortable 
residence,  and  a  full  missionary  stipend,  to  have  render- 
ed me  sufficiently  contented.  The  dread  of  cholera 
never  haunted  me  in  tiiese  secluded  rambles. 


I  1  ' 


n 


■11  ■ 


'■I 


I   !: 


I   ^i 


V  :t 


' 

I 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 
1 

h  •  'i  i 

i 

1  M  ii 

i 

S    1 

f     1' 

• 

1 

'  f 

ji'- 

1 

1  • 

1 

,     !     -  ' 

I 

i'  ', 

1 

t' 

j      ', 

' 

( 

t :  ;l^ 

1 1 

'  [  \^ 

f 

' 

j    ■ 

■ 

'        1    ^ 

f 

'  '    ''  ,'     i 

'    it  !) 

\ 

I 

;| 

*.             1  i  1    1 

', 

/hi^n 

i     ,        f 

1         t 

■ 

1  i 

< 

1   '' 

J 

;> 

'i  . 

,i 

'i 

1 

i 

.  [1 

166 


CANADA. 


Many  remedies  for  cholera  were  mentioned,  none  of 
which,  except  calomel,  proved  of  much  service.  At  the 
commencement  of  its  fatal  visit,  such  iinniense  quanti- 
ties of  opium  and  brandy  were  admini.-itered  in  conjunc- 
tion, as  would  extinguish  life  in  the  most  jithletic  consti- 
tution. Scarcely  a  patient  survived  such  treatment. 
These  were  ultimately  discontinued,  and  ten  grains  of| 
calomel  were  substituted.  The  last  mentioned  prescrip- 
tion was  generally  attended  with  beneficiid  results,  unless 
the  constitution  had  been  impaired  by  intemperance,  or 
the  sufferer  too  much  exhausted,  and  in  the  last  stage  o; 
the  disease,  before  it  was  administered.  If  the  wished 
for  consequence  was  not  derived  from  one  dose  of  calo- 
mel, the  same  quantity  was  repeated  at  a  stated  interval. 
After  the  general  adoption  of  this  remedy,  cholera  soon 
abated,  and  had  entirely  disappeared,  or  nearly  so,  '^rom 
all  the  Canadian  territories,  previous  to  our  depr.'nire 
from  York.  In  America,  injection  into  the  veins  of  cer- 
tain ingredi(mts,  which  are  supposed  to  bear  close  affinity 
to  the  component  parts  of  the  serum,  was  had  recouri 
to  for  the  pur{X)3e  of  imparting  renewed  circulation  to  the 
blood.  This,  it  was  asserted,  produced  an  instantaneous 
and  favourable  effect ;  and  the  patient  eo  treated,  althoiigli 
before  in  excruciating  torment,  or  in  a  state  of  complete 
exhaustion,  was  instantly  in  perfect  ease  and  animation, 
and  could  converse  with  his  wonted  cheerfulness  and 
strength,  as  if  nothing  had  befallen  him.  Yet  none 
ever  eventually  survived  this  operation.  Kelief  thus  ot> 
tained  was  momentary  and  evanescent. 

It  was  a  matter  of  considerable  speculation,  whether 
cholera  would  henceforth  become  naturalized  in  America, 
and  be  numbered  among  those  constant  attendants  on 
its  p'^ople,  which, are  regularly  active  in  destruction;  or 
its  presence  was  merely  a  solitary  visit,  which,  like  that 
of  comets  or  blazing  meteors,  was  transitory  in  its  nature, 
yet  attended  with  such  appalling  and  horrifying  circura" 
stances  as  to  impress  us  with  awful  sentiments  of  God, 
and  of  his  mysterious  dealings  with  the  children  of  men. 
Most  people  were  apprehensive,  that  it  would  take  up  a 


THE    INFECTIOUS    NATURE. 


167 


ermanent  residence  among  them,  and  lose  nothing  of  its 
errors  by  greater  familiarity.      Probably  neither  cholera 
Dor  any  other  disorder  to  which  the  human  frame  can 
()e  long  exposed,  can  visit  Europe  for  any  length  of  time. 
jwitbout  its  causes  and   cure  being  discovered.      The 
progress  and  dilHision  of  science  and  experimental  phi- 
losophy are  so  rapid  and  general,  as  to  leave  nothing 
unexplored  which  is  worthy  of  the  public  attention.     In 
lAnierica,    science   is   not    much    advanced  ;      but  the 
eople  there  are  disposed  to  borrow  (although  unwilling 
10 acknowledge  i(,)  whatever  is  useful  in  Europe  ;  and  we 
Lay  look  forwnrtl   to  a  time  of  greater  knowledge  and 
learning  in  that  country.     The  period  of  literary  e[)len- 
[lour  has  not  dav*  ned  there  ;  but  should  itbe(U'  liereafter 
iproportion  to  their  country,  its  dazzling  glories  will  be 
une(  Mailed.     Wiicn   that  period  arrives,  neitlier  ciiolera. 
jRor.  IV  other  mortal  disorder,  can  escape  investigation' 
Into  its  nature  and  antidote. 
Tlie  debate  of  the  question  as  to  the  infectiousness  of 
lolera  was  productive  often  of  fatal  eflects ;  for  from 
[he  asLortion  of  some  eminent  men  of  its  non-contagious 
[kiture,  many   por^ons  were  induced  to  neglect  ))roper 
Wautions.     Hundreds,  it  is  my  belief,  owed  their  death 
jo  this  representation.     They  courted  every  opportunity 
k  rushing  into  places  where  its  victims  were  laid  out, 
pnd  thereby  put  its  malignity  to  the  test.     Several  such 
Inieii,  thus  uselessly  fool-hardy,  found  their  constitutions 

proof  agaiubt  it,  and  afforded  by  their  death  strikin 
emonstration  of  tlieir  ermr.     I   read  in  an  Americ 
[paper  of  a   dead   man  having  been  found  in  a  fiei*  , 
round  whose  corpse  a  crowd  and  on  inquest  attended. 
iViihin  two  days,  eight  or  nine  of  the   jurymen  were 
heinselves  precipiluted  to  an  untimely  exit. 
For  my  own  part,  I  have  no  doubt  that  it  is  both  in- 
fectious and  contagious.     There  were  six  instances  of 
iiortality  from  it,  in  my  immediate  neighbourhood,  and 
ne  at  a  distance  of    five  miles,  over  the  graves  of 
ivhom  I  read  the  funeral  service.     The  six  first  were  all 
traceable  to  the  indiscretion  of  one  man,  who  entered  the 


I  ( 


!       I" 


'    f! 


'    r 


It  !  :  ■' 


■■I  i  ' 


'      ( 


!  !  ! 


■■'! 


hi  Ml 


|:iiil' 


168 


CANADA. 


abode  of  an  acquaintance  struggling  in  the  agonies  ol 
death.  This  was  at  the  distance  of  thirteen  miles  from 
his  own  dwelling.  He  returned  home  with  the  cholera 
upon  him,  and  died  shortly  after.  His  mother  an 
brother  met  with  a  similar  fate  a  short  time  after,  hav 
ing  caught  the  mrtlady  from  himself  A  person  o 
Yonge-street,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  housi 
where  we  lived,  was  reported  to  have  come  in  contaci 
with  one  of  the  above,  caught  the  disease  and  died ;  ani 
was  followed  almost  immediately  by  two  more  out  of  th 
same  house.  These  six  cases  appeared  to  me  conclui^iv 
of  the  communicative  nature  of  cholera.  The  introduc 
tion  of  it  WHS,  in  them,  accurately  marked,  and 
progress  traced  beyond  the  admission  of  dispute. 

Two  of  tile  above  persons  died  very  suddenly — in 
few  hours  after  their  first  attack.     Tliey  had  both  bee 
seated  at  the  supper  table  with  the  other  members  m 
the  family  on  tlie  preceding    evening,  and    appeare 
cheerful  and  in  health ;  vet  were  both  interred  befor 
the  morning  dawn.       T  was  awaked  out  of  sleep  aboii 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning  to  attend  the  grave  of  th 
one,  and  I  attended  that  of  the  other  about  two  hou 
after.      Great  numbers  died  in  tliree  or  four  hours  aftei 
their  first  attack.    It  was  particularly  fatal  to  aged  peopl 
upon  whom  it  fell,  and  to  the  intemperate  oif  all  age?j 
Few  of  such  patients  recovered. 

Although  our  compassion  cannot  but  be  moved  at  th( 
recital  of  miseries,  or  diseases,  endured  by  others,  yet  w 
are  more  sensibly  affected  when  the  suffering  ol)]ects  ol 
compassion  are  our  intimate  acquaintances.  This  wai 
the  case  of  one,  a  gentlemen  whom  I  had  regarded  ai 
likely  to  be  serviceable,  by  his  talents  and  experience,  i 
the  land  of  his  adoption ;  I  mean  the  medical  gentleman 
whom  I  mentioned  before  as  superintendant  of  th 
hospital.  Dr.  M.  (for  such  was  the  initial  of  hii 
surname)  had  purchased  three  hundred  acres  v  ithi 
three  miles  of  our  residence,  and  had  come  with  his  tw 
eldest  sons  to  take  possession.  He  intended  to  go  to  York, 
on  particular  days,  to  practice  in  the  capacity  of  a  con 


i;.ii 


!  I 


CASES    OF    CHOLERA. 


169 


the  as^onies  ofl  suiting  physician.  My  church  was  the  nearest,  and  he 
een  miles  from!  and  his  sons  attended  it.  As  he  and  his  family  had,  a 
vith  the  cholersBfew  months  previously,  been  moving  in  the  higher  cir- 
lis  mother  aniclesof  a  fashionable  town  in  England,  perhaps  a  short 
time  after,  hav« account  of  his  case  may  not  be  unacceptable.  Soon 
A  person  om after  his  purchase,  he  attended  public  service,  but  previ- 
from  the  hous«ous  to  doing  so  he  paid  us  a  visit.  He  expressed  his 
come  in  contacB surprise,  on  entering,  at  finding  the  apartments  so  indif- 
e  and  died;  anflferently  finished,  whilst  the  exterior  was  so  beautifu'  and 
>  more  out  of  tha the  position  so  charming.  It  resembles,  continued  h?, 
to  me  conclusivMa  showy  brick  building  on  a  farm  which  I  was  anxious 
The  introduce  to  purchase,  but  for  which  the  price  demanded  was  too 
orreat.  The  older  settlers  are  more  desirous  of  appear- 
ance, than  of  real  comfort ;  indeed  thev  are  iijnorant  of 
the  signification  of  comfort.  1  dilVered  in  opinion  from 
liim  on  this  point,  as  1  shall  state  hereafter. 

"  We  are  quite  ashamed,"  s(ud  I,  "to  be  found  in  such 
lodgings,  and  have  been  ill  from  vexation."  Your 
rooms,"  replied  he,  "are  not  such  as  I  had  anticipated 
from  the  appearance   of  the  house :  but  yet  they  are 


narked,   and  iii 

dispute. 

suddenly— in 
jy  had  both  bee 
iher  members  01 
;,  and    appeare 
1  interred  befor 
it  of  sleep  aboul 


he  ""rave  of  thBcertainly  not  such  as  you  need   be  ashamed  of.     You 


live  in  a  palace,  compared  with  the  apartment  which  I 
and  my  family  occupy."  "You  greatly  astonish  me," 
«aid  I,  *'you  cannot  surely  be  in  earnest."  "  I  assure 
you,"  he  replied,  "  that  my  statement  is  the  truth.  I 
repeat  it,  your  rooms  are  as  the  apartments  of  a  pa'ace, 
be  moved  at  th^viien  compared  with  mine."  "  1  shall  embrace  an  early 
Iv  others,  yet  wSopporlunity  to  return  your  visit,"  1  said  to  Dr.  M.      To 


about  two  hou 
four  hours  aftei 
|al  to  aged  peopli 
irate  of  all  agd 


he  replied  ;  "  a  lady  in  York,  the  widow  of  a  captain 

liDlhc  army,  invited   herself  to  visit  me.     My  reply  to 

her  was ;    I  have  much  reluctance  to  be  found  in  a 

fodfiing  so  unusual,  and  shall  not  be  at  home  when  you 

all.    I  am  now  fitting  up  another  house.      If  you  will 

Itendaiit  of  thflfi^tiently  delay  your  visit  till  my  arrangements  have 

initial  of    hi^en  completed,  1  will  send  you   an   invitation.     You 

us'  not  call  till  I   invite  you.     Such,"  continued  he, 

was  the  warnmg  I  delivered  to  the  lady,  and  such  it 

ust  be  to  you.      I  cannot  at  present  be  found  at 


Iffering  objects  ol 

:es.      This  wai 

I  had  regarded  ai 

id  experience,  u 

lical  gentleman 


fd  acres  within 
le  with  his  twc 
to  go  to  YorkJ 
kcity  of  a  con-| 


Rome.' 


'A 
■•'I 

f1 


{  Jf! 


i\ 


J  i 


■i 


If 


If 


It 


l> 


:<■  ^ 


; 


'    *     1    ' 


i    I 


)  : 


[• 


i: 


1   i    .  •  i 


1 
ii'  ! 

t   . 

I     ' 
I 
I     I 


V 


:^! 


( 


;iti 


»-'■■ 
I 

I 


J 


'  i'l    i 


I" 


170 


CANADA. 


Afte 
scene  c 
cumsta 
the  dei 

DOW    b( 


withoul 

mind  fi 

fflorniri! 

DrJ 


This  visit  of  Dr.  M.,  and  his  prohibition,  instead  of  I  positioi 
repressing,  excited  my  curiosity  to  the  liighest  pitch.  §  in  gre? 
But  as  he  had  laid  so  strong  an  emphasis  on  not  being 
found  at  home,  I  did  not  venture  to  intrude  witliin  his 
liberties  till  a  specious  pretext  was  afforded.  I  had  esta- 
blished a  Sunday-school,  and  was  eager  to  procure  books 
for  its  use.  For  this  end  I  delivered  an  appropriate  ser- 
mon, and  made  a  collection  in  the  church.  1  also  tookBmosphc 
upon  myself  the  business  of  calling  on  such  of  the  moreBments 
respectable  inhabitants  as  appeared  likely  to  feel  an  inte- 
rest in  the  matter. 

Among  others  I  called  on  Dr.  M.  His  house  was  sur- 
rounded by  lofty  forests.  On  two  sides  the  trees  were  a 
some  distance,  and  two  or  thiee  farm-houses,  with  con-H My  call 
siderable  clearances  to  each  were  within  the  same  opeii-Bposed  or 
ing.  On  the  remaining  sides,  the  native  forests  wereHsome  ne 
untouched,  and  extended  close  to  his  doors.  I  set  ou 
one  sultry  morning,  and  proceeded  through  dense  for 
ests  to  his  house.  It  was  with  difliculty  I  found  my 
way,  and  my  perspiration  was  excessive.  From  (li 
heat  and  the  confined  atmosphere  of  the  woods,  I  felt 
slight  lassitude;  and  as  my  handkerchief  was  beconi 
so  saturated  with  perspiration  as  to  be  of  no  further  use, 
I  rinsed  it  in  a  rivulet,  and  s}>read  it  out  to  dry  on 
fallen  log. 

I  soon  felt  myself  recruited,  and  approached  wit 
eagerness  to  his  door.  There  I  (juickly  learned,  that  mjBpreporecl, 
arrival  was  extremely  unpropitious  to  myself  Dr.  MBprogress, 
was  in  the  cholera,  extended  on  a  bed  in  the  corner  o~ 
the  room  which  served  for  their  cooking,  eating,  aiii 
sleeping  room,  for  they  had  but  one  apartment.  Durin; 
my  stay,  he  made  uninterrupted  moanings.  He  was  i 
such  excruciating  tortures  as  to  be  unable  to  conversi 
Round  his  bed  werecurtains,  suspended  in  such  a  manne| 
as  to  form  a  small  state-room.  1  knelt  down  within  thesBsuspended 
curtains,  and  rested  my  liead  on  my  hand  by  his  hemth  energi 
side.  I  had  been  previou^..^  lieated  with  walkingBiate  d*^  >tl 
Fear,  and  the  heat  of  the  room,  increased  my  prediiBescrilK  tl 

iforiiied  rn 


sistance, 
the  time 
requester 
for  medi 
made  se' 
attention 
so  gentle 
nation, 
precursor 
quiet  U( 


alarming, 
from  five 


of 

languid,  r 
grow  cold 
lis  powei 


:m\ 


CASES    OF    CHOLERA. 


171 


position  to  perspire,  and  and  drops  of  sweat  fell  from  me 
in  great  profusion. 

After  prayers  had  been  offered  up,  I  retired  from  that 
scene  of  sorrow  to  my  own  house,  and  related  the  cir- 
cumstance to  Mrs.  P.  As  every  day  brought  tidings  of 
the  death  of  some  acquaintance,  and  as  I  myself  had 
now  been  more  immediately  iniplicuted  in  cholera  at- 
mosphere, I  deemed  it  prudent  to  mala  such  arrange- 
ments as  might  leave  my  family,  in  ca&^e  of  my  death, 
without  much  embarrassment.  I  had  made  up  my 
mind  for  the  worst.  The  first  tidings  I  heard  in  the 
morning  was  Dr.  M.'s  decease. 

Dr.  M.  could  not  be  said  to  have  died  very  suddenly. 
My  call  was  made  on  a  Monday,  and  he  was  first  indis- 
posed on  the  Saturday  previous.  There  appeared  to  be 
some  negligence  on  his  part  in  procuring  advice  and  as- 
sistance, for  no  medical  gentleman  had  been  called  in  at 
the  time  I  was  there.  His  son  approached  the  bed,  and 
requested  permission  to  proceed  immediately  to  York 
for  medical  assistance.  The  same  request  had  been 
made  several  times  before,  but  had  been  treated  with  in- 
attention. The  early  stages  of  cholera  were  frecjuently 
so  gentle,  as  to  furnish  no  forebodings  of  its  fat(d  termi- 
nation. A  slight  indisposition  or  sickness  was  often  its 
precursor,  which  in  ordinary  seasons  would  occasion  no 
disquietude.  But  when  the  animal  frame  had  been  thus 
prepored,  and  no  precautions  been  adopted  to  arrept  its 
progress,  the  rapidity  of  its  strides  was  most  awluUy 
alarming.  In  many  instances,  the  short  interval  of 
from  five  to  twenty  minutes  would  entirely  alter  the  con- 
dition of  the  patientt  His  pulse  would  suddenly  become 
languid,  and  almost  cease  to  Ijeat ;  his  extremities  would 
grow  cold  ;  his  strength  and  spirits  would  Ibrsake  him  ; 
Ibis  powers  of  utterance  and  motion  would  be  nearly 
iuspended  ;  he  would  feel  an  entire  prostration  of  all 
lis  energies,  and  a  certain  anticipation  of  almost  imme- 
liate  d^^  'th,  in  a  shorter  time  than  it  would  require  to 
lescribt  tliem.  Dr.  M.'s  declining  state  was,  his  sons  in- 
formed me,  now  more  perceptible  every  moment.     He 


!,    <i 


(!■ 


,..  j , 


^  -^  I  ■ 


I'H- 


]   '\ 


!. 


i    1 
<    [ 


'M 


i  f 


i  * 


172 


CANADA. 


now  gave  permission,  in  my  hearing,  for  a  doctor  to  be 
called.  Nature,  had,  however,  been  exhausted  and 
overpowered  before  medical  skill  could  be  rendered 
available.  He  was  not  indeed  actually  lifeless  at  the 
time  the  physician  arrived,  but  he  was  beyond  the  limits 
of  human  succour.  His  spirit,  already  flickering  on  the, 
confinesof  eternity,  soon  took  its  fliu^ht  from  its  dilapidated 
tenement  to  the  mansions  of  the  dead. 

Dr.  M.'s  death  did  not  take  place  till  some  hours 
after  I  had  left  him.  At  my  departure,  I  trently  grasp- 
ed his  hand,  and  expressed  a  hope  that  i  should  again 
have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him  in  a  more  favourablej 
state.  "  Never,  never,"  was  his  answer ;  "  there  is  no 
hope." 

I  was  credibly  informed  that  something  unfeelinglv 
callous  and  devoid  of  generous  sensibilit)',  and  even  oi 
delicacy,  was  exhibited  by  the  niodicul  gentleman  wiioj 
came  to  administer  advice.  He  thus  announced  the  inj 
evitable  death  of  Dr.  M.  to  the  alllicted  sons:  "Yciiil 
father  is  a  dying  man  ;  there  is  no  hope  ;  and  novvwhe; 
am  1  to  obtain  my  fee  ?     1  must  be  paid  immediately." 

The  farm  which  Dr.  M.  had  purchased  wa^  not  im- 
mediately on  Yonge-street,  but  between  two  and  tliiet 
miles  in  the  forest.  Speedy  assistance  could  not  be  pro- 
cured, and  it  was  Tuesday  evening  before  he  was  takei 
from  the  house ;  his  corpse,  therefore,  was  permitted  t( 
remain  uninterred  during  the  greater  part  of  a  day.  A; 
he  had  been  attached  to  the  army,  his  remains  werf 
deposited  in  llie  military  burial-ground  at  York,  aiit| 
had  to  be  conveyed  a  distance  of  fourteen  miles.  It  vva 
almost  midnight  before  his  interment  took  place ;  which, 
notwithstanding  the  prevalence  of  cholera,  was  accompa- 
nied  with  military  honours.  The  archdeacon,  whos 
time  was  almost  unceasingly  occupied  in  administering 
cordials  or  medicines,  in  prayer  with  the  sick,  or  in  bury- 
ing the  dead,  was  called  upon  to  perform  the  last  solei 
offices  over  Dr.  M.  The  soldiers  who  attended  thn  fu- 
neral, had  peremptory  orders  not  to  approach  the  coffinj 
lest  they  might  mtroduce  the  plague  within  the  contiiv 


of  the 

|0U9  pi 

l^arriso 
From 
I  danger 
proper 
ing  the 
to  proci 
of  help, 
Both  th 
paucity 

On 
the  grea 
in  York 
M.  was 
ii  who 
self  was 
forty;  b 
iiinities 
liiluated 
his  gentl 
aiiist  fori 
From 
n,  that 
tion  as 
nor  shou 
\kl    Dr 
for  the  pr 
je   in 
lliabits  req 
[provisions 
red  their 
(iadid  nc 
[rate  and 
fious;  bii 
iences  of 
[suitably  ] 
parsimoni 
P  returned 


1 


a  doctor  to  be 
jxlmusted  and 
]  be  rendered 
f  lifeless  at  the 
;yond  the  limiis 
lickeiing  on  the 
11  its  dilapidated 

till  some  hours 
I  gently  grasp- 
1  should  again 

nore  favourable 
;  "  there  is  no 

ing  unfeelingly 
ty,  and  even  of 
gentleman  wliol 
iiiounced  the  in 
d  sons  :  "  Ycur 
;  and  now  wher 
1  immediately." 
sed  wa^?  not  im 
[1  two  and  thie 
lould  not  be  pro 
Ire  he  was  take 
as  permitted  t 
t  of  a  day.    A 
remains  wer 
at  York,  aiui 
miles.     It  wai 
k  place ;  which 
li,  was  accompa 
lideacon,  whose 
administering 
lick,  or  in  bury 
the  last  solcmi 
ttended  tho,  fu 
loach  the  coffin 
in  the  confine 


Mi 


CASES   OF   CHOLERA. 


173 


of  the  garrison.  It  was  probably  owing  to  such  scrupu- 
lous proceedings,  on  this  and  other  occa.sions,  that  the 
(rarrison  of  York  escaped  without  any  considerable  loss. 
From  this  proceeding,  however,  much  njore  of  toil  and 
danger  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  archdeacon  than  was  his 
proper  share.  He  was  himself  obliged  to  assist  in  remov- 
ing the  coffin  from  the  wagon  to  the  grave,  and  also 
to  procure  the  assistance  of  his  own  son  ;  a  sufficiency 
of  help,  independent  of  the  soldiers,  not  having  attended. 
Both  tho  archdeacon  and  Dr.  M.'s  son  complained  of  this 
paucity  of  attendance. 

On  one  occasion,  the  archdeacon  inf)rmed  me  that 
ilie  greatest  number  of  authenticated  deaths  by  cholera 
in  Yorktown  in  one  day,  was  twenty-three,  and  that  Dr. 
il.  was  the  only  professional  gentleman  in  Upper  Cana- 
da who  died  of  this  disorder.  The  number  in  York  it- 
jelf  was  sometimes  reported  to  be  between  thirty  and 
forty  ;  but  the  archdeacon  must  have  had  many  oppor- 
liunities  of  actual  information.  Dr.  M.'s  estates  were 
iiluated  in  the  township  of  York.  The  circumstance  of 
iliis  gentleman's  family  being  well  known  ^n  England 
must  form  my  apology  for  so  minute  an  account. 

From  Dr.  M."s  case  1  learned  this  lesson  of  instruc- 
tion, that  no  person  ought  to  place  himself  in  such  a  sit- 
uation as  excludes  the  enjoyment  of  his  wonted  comforts, 
nor  should  he  too  suddenly  or  extensively  change  his 
diet.  Dr.  M.  exchanged  the  comforts  of  civilized  life 
for  the  privations  of  a  forest  residence.  He  did  not  in- 
dulge in  such  generous  sustenance  as  his  age  and 
iiabits  required.  He  subsisted  almost  entirely  on  salted 
provisions,  without  a  sufficiency  of  fresh  eatables  to  cor- 
rect their  unwholesome  tendency.  His  friends  in  Cana- 
da did  not  exculpate  him  from  the  charge  of  inconside- 
rate and  imprudent  rashness.  His  purchase  was  judi- 
cious ;  but  he  should  not  have  abandoned  the  conven- 
iences of  a  town  till  his  country  residence  had  been 
suitably  provided.  He  was  censured  by  some  as  too 
parsimonious,  but  perhaps  the  charge  was  unfounded. 
I  returned  from  his  residence  with  many  apprehensions, 


(|i  = 


I 


'I 


*-\ 


.1 


174 


CANADA. 


I  ■.  <  '    .  'i 


I  J,     I 


I.  >  ; 


t 


■M 


\  ■  t  U 


' 


.'    ! 


ij: 


but  with  heartfelt  gratitude.  I  had  not  till  then  found 
out  that  our  condition  was  more  comf(irtable  than  that  of 
many,  and  that  we  had  less  reason  than  we  supposed  for 
vexations  and  complaints. 

I  have  already  stated  my  persuasion  that  from  all  I 
could  learn,  cholera  is  highly  communicative.  My  own 
case,  however,  may  be  adduced  as  evidence  to  the  con- 
trary ;  may  1  therefore  trespass  further  on  the  patience  of 
the  reader,  by  inserting  a  few  observations  illustrative  of  | 
my  ideas  on  the  subject. 

The  fact  appears  to  be,  that  we  are  placed  in  the  micisi, 
of  innumerable  natural  agents,  either  in  active  operation 
or  only  waiting  a  proper  occasion  to  spring  into  activitv. 
In  cases  of  eiuthi|uakes,  plagues,  and  pestilences,  those 
dreadfn.l  visitations  which  sometimes  depopulate  a  pro- 
vince or  .»  city,  who  caii  tell  how  far  they  depend  on  the 
negligence  or  the  agency  of  man  I     Since  the  invention 
of  metal  conductors,  which  were  first  employed  by  the 
American  philosopher  as  a  protection  against  lightning, 
fewer  fatal  accidents  have:  occurred  from  electricity  ;  and 
scarcely  any  where  that  precaution  was  adopted.    It  may 
be  reserved  for  some  future  philosopher  to  discover,  by 
what  mean  J  eaiihquakes  may  be  prevented,  and  the 
countries  now  subject  to  that  dreadful  scourge  preserved 
from  desolation.     Should  such  discovery  be  made,  any 
nation,  province,  or  city,  neglecting  to  adopt  it,  and  aAer- 
wards  visited  by  an  eartlKjuake,  might  properly  be  con 
sidered  its  own  destroyer.     In  like  manner,  should  al 
person  sufTer  calamity  from  lightning,  or  from  any  other 
natural  agent,  when  antidotes  are  provided  which  he  has 
omitted  to  employ,  the  calamity  may  justly  be  attributed 
to  himself.     When  in  Quebec,  1  observed  a  boy  almost 
blind  ;  and  on  making  inijuiries  rt  specting  him,  was  in- 
formed, that  it  had  been  occasioned  by  the  action  of  the 
sunbeams  on  the  snow,  and  their  reflection  on  the  vision 
of  the  boy.     Should  loss  of  sight  be  the  consequence,  the 
parents  must  be  considered  as  hfi\  ing  occasioned  it,  hy 
neglecting  to  furnish  their  son  with  shades  and  glasses. 
In  Lapland  and  Greenland,  I  was  told,  the  iiihabitani 


,h'! 


i  ,'.J  '  ■: 


CHOLERA. 


176 


ill  then  found  1  from  similar  causes  are  frequently  blind  at  an  early  age. 
le  than  that  of  I  Such  are  guilty  of  suicidal  blindness,  in  proportion  to  their 
e  supposed  for  |  knowledge  of  an  antidote,  and  their  abihty  to  obtain  it. 

Wliatever  dangerous  or  fatal  consequences  happen  to 
lat  from  all  I  1  mankind,  from  want  of  caution  in  avoiding  or  guarding 
ive.  My  own  I  against  their  causes,  must  be  regarded  as  selT-inflicted.  In 
ce  to  the  con- jlihe  instance  of  that  dreadful  pestilence  inllicted  on  the 
the  patience  of  ■Israelites,  after  David's  foolish  numbering  of  the  people, 
3  illustrative  of  J  we  may  reasonably  suppose  that  those  who  fell  before  it, 

had  iLibilitated  or  injured  their  bodily  constitution!?,  or 
;ed  in  the  midsijwere  in  some  respects  more  liable  than  others  to  disease 
ictive  operation  land  dissolution.  The  same  observation  may  be  extended 
g  into  activity.  ■  to  that  dreadful  visitation  the  cholera;  since  it  was  ob- 
jstilences,  those  ■  served  to  be  confined  more  especially  to  those  whose  mode 
populate  a  pro Bof  life,  generally  speaking,  was  detrimental  to  health.  I 
J  depend  on  the ■  do  not  mean  to  insinuate,  that  this  was  universally  the 
:e  the  invention ■  case,  or  that  many  good  and  temperate  people  were  not 
riployed  by  theBiis  victims.  But  it  was  more  fatally  prevalent  among 
ainst  lightning, ■such  as  had  lived  intemperately,  or  had  subsisted  upon 
electricity ;  andj 


dopted.    It  may! 
to  discover,  bvl 


lourge  preserved 
be  made,  any 


unwholesome  food,   or   had  not  sufficient  proper  nour- 
ishment, or  had  exposed  themselves  to  situations  dan- 
gerous   to    health.      It    was    almost   invariably    found 
ented,  and  thejiotake  up  its  quarter&i  in  the  earthly  tenement  of  those, 
who  had  prepared  their  constitutions  for  its  reception. 
Now,  just  in  proportion  to  this  preparation  for  ^sease, 
opt  it,  and  after-Braay  every  one  invaded  by  cholera  be  viewed  as  having 
roperiy  be  con  ■  welcomed  it,  and  his  ov.n  blood  as  resting  on  himself, 
nner,  should  ajj    In  all  ages,  at  intervals,  various  plagues  and  epidemic 
from  any  otherB  disorders  have  raged  in  every  climate.     Against  the  viru- 
d  which  he  hasB lence  of  these,  mankind  are  furnished  with  numerous 
ly  be  attribuledB  antidotes,  which  are  generally  efficacious  if  habitually 
d  a  boy  alnios«used.     These  consist  in  strict  tetuperance:  in  using  such 
lig  him,  was  in-B  exercise  and  medicines  as  keep  the  body  in  a  proper  frame, 
e  action  of  the! and  rectify  the  unwholesomeness  or  impurities  of  meats 
n  on  the  vision!  and  [jrinks  ;  in  avoiding  all  needless  conununication  with 
nsequence,  the!  persons  or  places  of  doubtful  character,  or  reported  to  be 
Icasioned  it,  by!  mfected  ;  in  keeping  the  njind  unruffled  and  composed, 
and  glasses.!  tree  from  such  turbulent  emotions  as  endanger  the  cor- 
he  inhabitaniil  poieal  faculties.     I  do  not  say,  that  these  antidotes  are 


t^  I  I 


;i' 


i  <■ 


(•  :  it 


,  1  •  M 


!    i    ;     t 


I 


'  I 


'rii' 


176 


CANADA. 


always  a  safeguard  from  infection  or  contagion;  but  they 
are  so  generally.  In  places  where  such  plagues,  as  have 
commiited  the  greatest  ravages,  and  have  been  the  most 
circumstantially  related — in  London,  for  instance — per- 
sons of  temperate  habits  have  been  more  frequently 
spared,  and  sur^Mved  the  visitation.  And  after  the  plague 
has  abated,  less  of  sickness  lias  for  some  time  been  felt 
in  reference  to  the  population,  than  in  previous  years. 
This  can  only  be  accounted  for,  by  imagining  that  all 
who.se  constitutions  had  been  previously  impaired  being 
taken  off,  none  but  those  of  sound  health  were  sulTered 
to  escape  ;  the  antecedent  state  of  the  body,  as  the  case 
may  be,  repelling  or  courting  the  contagion. 

Many  of  those  who  were  attacked  by  cholera  in  the 
vigour  of  youth  or  marihood,  and  not  enfeebled  by  intem- 
perance or  other  causes,  sustained  its  shock  without  ex- 
periencing its  fatality.  Yet  it  sometimes  happened,  that 
a  person  of  delicate  and  slender  form,  even  without  any 
previous  debility,  who  had  survived  the  cholera,  relapsed 
into  some  fever,  and  expired  in  a  state  of  mere  exhaustion. 
This  was  the  case  of  a  young  lady,  whose  nuptials  I  had 
solemnized  a  short  time  previous,  and  who  requested,  on 
her  death-bed,  that  the  same  clergyman  who  married 
her  might  perform  her  funeral  service.  She  resided  about 
five  miles  from  Thorn  hill,  and  although  my  services  were 
requested  on  these  two  occasions,  yet  she  and  her  family 
did  not  attend  my  church,  but  frequented  another  nearer 
their  house,  at  which  one  of  the  professors  of  York  Col- 
lege officiated. 

The  burial  service  over  her  grave,  from  her  recent  mar- 
riage and  dying  request,  was  more  affecting  than  any 
office  I  performed  in  Canada.  Her  interment  took  place 
in  the  midst  of  a  violent  and  tremendous  thunder-?iorm. 
during  which  the  gleams  of  lightning  and  peals  of  thun- 
der were  awful.  Large  hailstones  fell  mingled  witli  the 
rain,  some  of  which,  driving  with  great  velocity  against 
the  church  windows,  shattered  the  squares  of  glass  in 
pieces.  The  rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  inundated  the 
grave,  out  of  which  two  of  the  men  were  employed  in 


i:     ! 


s  i 


'  I 


CASES    OF    CHOLERA. 


177 


emptying  the  water.  I  had  walked  from  our  house  to 
ihe  burial-ground,  and  had  become  parched  and  thirsty. 
Whils^t  these  men  were  Ufting  the  water  from  the  grave, 
[employed  the  time  in  collecting  hailstones  off  the  hil- 
locks which  surrounded  me,  and  w'lich  covered  the  aslics 
of  departed  morlals,  and  wkh  them  I  quenched  my  thirsi 

It  is  customary  in  Canada  for  minisicrs  to  !nake  short 
extern por.'.neous  addresses  at  funerals,  and  episcopal 
ministers  fretjuenlly  adopt  the  same  practice.  My  Lord 
Bishop  of  Quebec  ad  vised  all  his  cleroy  to  accustom  them- 
selves to  extem|torary  preaching  and  pi-iyer ;  since  so 
Many  sudden  calls  might  be  made,  for  which  no  prepa- 
:ation  could  be  given.  ^Vhe  friends  of  the  young  lady 
entreated  me  to  conform  to  the  general  custom  ;  and  as 

cases  of  cholera  1  never  allowed  the  corj^se  to  be  car- 
liied  into  the  church,  I  expressed  my  acquiescence,  and 
Ibired  the  people  to  attend  me.  Wc  entered  the  conse- 
ptecl  temple,  and  after  a  brief  interval  of  prayer  and 
Iraedilation;  1  delivered  my  first  unpremeditated  sermon, 
liany  subject  can  be  called  unpremeditated  which  daily 
lifld  extiaordinaiy  sickness  forces  on  our  notice,  and  j. luces 
|:ontinually  in  our  view. 

The  friends  of  the  departed  bride  invited  me  to  their 
iouse,  which  my  engagements  obliged  me  to  decline. 
iTiiey  offered  me  pecun'ary  recompense  which  I  also  re- 
used. One  of  tbem  then  insisted  on  my  taking  his 
lorse,  and  riding  to  a  neighlx)uring  inn,  where  another 
lliouid  be  provided  for  me.  This  was  not  refused,  and  I 
pis  received  that  peculiar  kind  of  recjuital,  which  so  cap- 
liivales  and  pleases, — namely,  the  gratelVd  feelings  of 
we  serve,  and  such  ready  accommodation  as  suits 
jour  circumstances.  This  I  often  experienced  on  other 
(occasions  ;  and  i  assert  v.'ith  confidence,  that  no  deserv- 

ng clergyman  will  fail  to  receive  it  in  that  generous  and 

spilable  land. 


il 


178 


CANADA. 


W»  t 


CHAPTER  IV. 


i  1: 


Desire  for  Ministers — Canadians  fitted  for  Clerical  Orders — College  midl 
University — LJlsliop  of  (U,uel)ec— Cierg:y  an-l  Congregations — Fimp-! 
ral-   I'rosiiet'ts  of  Clerfjy — iMethodisIs — a  llefornied  Preshyteriaii- 
RonianCci 'holies — Presbyterians — Shakin;^Q,uakers — Medical  Pre* 
fession — Education — Definition  of  Comfort, 

I  WAS  occasionally  invited  to  perform  sacred  duties  ir 
other  places  also,  not  inifnediateiy  under  my  own  churchj 
In  every  yucli  case,  an  oiler  was  made  me  of  pecuniarv| 
recoiripense,  which  I  invariably  waived.  Also  for  burials] 
baptisms,  Ci^c.  money  was  similarly  tendered  and  refused] 
I  am  persuaded,  that  the  people  of  that  country  would 
not  object  to  pay  fees  for  clerical  duties,  as  in  Englandj 
and  to  subscribe  for  pew-rents.  1  never  accepted  any  feel 
except  tor  marriages.  These  I  considered  as  reasonably 
taxablf\  If  the  parties  can  aO'ord  to  keep  house  and 
mainiain  a  family,  they  will  never  object  to  a  moderat^ 
fee  for  the;  performance  of  important  oflices. 

I  had  not  long  been  at  Thornhill,  before  I  was  request] 
ed  by  a  gentleman,  resident  more  than  thirty  miles  dig 
tant,  to  travel  thither  at  stated  periods  and  preach,  foj 
which  service  the  people  there  were  not  (;nly  ready  td 
pay  Uil  expenses,  but  also  to  reward  me  nandsomelyl 
The  same  gentleman  afterwards  called  on  me,  and  per] 
sonally  repeated  the  re(|Mest  and  the  otli'r.  Yet  as 
perceived  from  the  very  tiist,  that  my  return  was  unavoii 
able,  from  my  hasty  promi.se,  which  frequency  of  mentioD 
permiited  me  not  to  forget,  I  felt  little  inclination  to  coraj 
ply.  This  was  not  the  only  invitation  of  the  kind  ;  anif 
evinces  the  desire  of  tlie  people  for  religious  instruction! 
and  their  readiness  to  contribute  to  the  maintenance  o| 
clergy.  Tliere  are  so  many  liimilies  from  England,  boll 
wealthy  and  intelligeut,  scattered  over  the  face  of  m 
country,  and  willing  as  well  as  able  to  afford  remuneral 
ti*^'.!  to  worthy  ministers,  thtit  I  am  confident  I  speal 
within  bounds,  when  I  state  that  there  is  ample  field  \i 


CANADIAN    CLERGY. 


179 


Canada  for  the  additional  labours  of  fifty  pious  clero^ymen. 
Ill  some  districts,  even  where  population  is  ra()ic!ly  filling" 
jiip,  there  is  no  clerirynian  for  a  distance  of  sixty  miles. 

The  present  Bishop  of  (Canada,  when  in  England, 
linade  inquiries,  1  was  told,  for  some  g-entlemen  of  sound 
Iclassical,  and  biblical  learninsr ;  and  havinsi  bee.'i  sue- 
lessful  in  nieeting'  wilh  one  eminent  in  both  respects, 
jinduced  him  by  a  lilieral  offer  to  emigrate  to  that  coun- 
liry  for  the  sole  [Hirpose  of  preparing  young  gentlemen 
lin  Canada  for  Ijecoming  catechists  or  clergymen.  The 
Irejiilt  has  answered  (be  original  design,  and  sev«Mal  Ca- 
liKidians  have  been  (jualiried  in  their  own  country.  Still, 
lliowever,  English  clciL'^ymen  are  preferred  ;  not  so  much 
Ipeihaps,  for  their  more  extensive  reading,  as  for  their 
Ijreater  experience,  and  their  more  intimate  knowledge 
lot  life  and  character. 

1  believe  several  Canadians  have  already  been  ad- 
Imlted  to  clerical  orders,  and  the  faciliiies  for  obtaining  a 
picli  sounder  education  than  what  is  attainable  in  the 
l^iuiles  are  becoming  every  day  greater.  There  are  bet- 
Itr teachers,  and  a  more  luethodical  and  efiicient  plan.  I 
I  ill!  told,  fn  the  college  in  Upper  Canada,  than  in  any 
liollege  in  the  Union.  What  forms  as  striking  a  con- 
liiast  as  any  thing  l)etween  tlie  Canadian  and  American 
illeges  is,  that  in  (^anada  strict  discipline  and  suitable 
iirection  are  admitted,  whereas  in  America  they  are 
iiknown. 

Some  American  youths  were  placed  by  their  friends  in 
Ibe  Canadian  college;  and  were  so  astountled  at  find- 
|iiii!:  enforcement  of  neglected  duties  by  cast ;ga' ion,  that 
liiy  lied  home  in  utter  dismay.  The  JL)Uii.-h  of  the 
Iprol'essor's  rod  had  upon  tlie^n  as  terrific  an  elVect,  as  the 
jbndishing  of  the  sword  had  upon  their  countrymon 
vlieii  engaged  in  direful  conflict  with  Can.-idians.  I 
piust,  however,  do  justice  to  the  professors  in  New-York 
pllege,  by  statin|(,  that  they  were  beginning  to  adopt 
astigation,  fis  tlie  only  sure  remedy  for  confiified  ofllen- 
Wers.  Some  parents  objected  to  the  strict  disciplitie  of 
pork  College,  aa  beiiig  unnecessary  in  a  new  country. 


W 


i^m 


!! 


>,i 


l! 


'1    . 


!  M 


J 


i 


I 

til 


* 


I  i 


'Ml 


I    • 


:  'f; 


I    I,' 

ill 


»', 


i: 


160 


CANADA. 


They  supposed,  that  extensive  acquirements  are  not 
needful.     My  judgment  and  theirs  are  widely  different, 

]f  the  same  unparalleled  progress  in  education  and 
improvement  continue  in  Canada,  which  has  been  de- 
veloped during  the  hist  three  years,  she  will  set  a  lumi- 
nous example  to  the  Stales  which  they  will  be  proud  to 
imitate.  A  university  will  soon  be  in  progress  of  erec- 
tion in  Upper  ("uuada,  which  it  is  supposed  will  be  com- 
pleted in  two  or  three  years.  A  large  extent  r  f  the  finest 
lands  has  been  granted  as  an  endowment,  which  in  time 
will  be  sufficient  to  place  the  establish tnent  on  so  liberal 
a  scale,  as  will  attract  professors  of  the  greatest  literaiv 
emiuBUce.  Government  is  doing  much  for  the  moral 
and  intellectual  improvement  of  that  charming  region, 

The  first  visitation  held  in  York  by  the  present  Hislio[ 
of  Q,uebLc,  was  attended  by  three  or  four  clergymer 
only.  But  so  great  have  l>een  the  aurmented  number 
of  the  established  church,  that  twenty-six  were  preseni| 
at  the  last  visitation.  I  appeared  among  them,  but  did 
not  count  the  number.  The  circumstance  was  told  t 
me  by  a  neighbouring  clergyman,  who  has  been  pre 
sent  at  every  visitation.  The  bishop  is  much  belovei' 
by  his  clergy,  and  does  every  thing  in  his  power  to  ren 
der  them  comfortable  and  respected.  They  regard  liis 
lordship,  from  his  simplicity  of  maimers  and  uuitllecte 
piety,  and  also  from  his  long  missionary  labours,  as 
U'uly  apostolic  bishop. 

His  lordship  may  be  properly  considered  as  the  fatliei 
and  founder  of  the  church  in  Upper  ("anada.  He  iiai 
nursed  and  reared  it  up.  His  only  solicitude  is  the  prti. 
perity  and  increase  of  his  diocese,  in  ministers,  and  cvn 
gregations  abounding  in  every  christian  virtue.  His  Ion 
ship's  own  life  is  one  of  the  be  it  models  which  an;, 
clergyman  could  imitate.  Every  person,  of  \>'liat,evei 
denomination,  acknowledges  his  exemplary  pattern,  am 
admires  his  purity  of  life  and  mildness  of  deportment 

On  the  day  of  his  lordship's  visitation,  a  dinner  wa 
provided  at  his  private  expense  for  the  clergy  who  at' 
tendeti.     It  was  pleasing  to  witness  the  assemblage  of « 


CONGREGATIONS. 


ISI 


respectable  a  bocly  of  men  engaged  in  ministerial  labours 
in  our  church,  in  the  midst  of  a  country  lately  redeemed 
from  a  state  of  nature.  Their  appearance  was  highly 
creditable  to  the  country,  and  to  the  church  to  whicl) 
they  are  ministers. 

The  reverend  gentlemen,  the  professors  of  York  col- 
lege, frequently  employed  their  Sundays  and  their  long 
vacations,  in  journeying  to  country  places  and  perform- 
ing clerical  duties.     Tliis  they  do,   without  any  other 
recompense  than  that  of  an  approving  conscience.     The 
Rev.  Mr.  Bolton  called  on  us  at  Thornhill,  in  returning 
from  a  long  missionary  ramble  of  forty  or  fifty  miles,  to 
describe  the  numerous  congregations  he  had  been  abk 
10  collect  on  a  very  short  notice.     In  two  hours  after  h]> 
arrival  at  some  places,  he  was  surrounded  by  a  congre- 
ialion  of  three  or  four  hundred  people.     To  look  at  the 
forests,  one  would  almost  imagine  that  they  form  impe- 
netrable barriers  to  the  settler,  and  are  the  confines  ol 
population.     But  by  following  any  road  or  tract  for  a  lit- 
tle way,  we  are  quickly  introduced  into  other  cleared  and 
i.pen  spots,  before  hidden  from  our  sight,  where  some 
limes  one  or  two,  and  sometimes  many  families,  ari' 
embosomed  in  the  woods. 

I  could  hardly  credit  Mr.  Bolton's  statement  of  so  many 
hearers  assembling  in  one  or  two  hours,  nor  conceive  the 
iircumstance  practicable,  until  the  statement  was  con- 
tinned  by  occular  demonstration.  One  day  just  befor*^ 
leiiving  Thornhill,  a  respectable  farmer  called  on  me. 
ii!ul  iiiformed  me  that  his  son  was  laid  in  a  coffin  in  his 
house  at  the  distance  of  eight  miles,  and  that  he  had  invit- 
ed his  friends  and  neighbours  to  attend  the  funeral,  which 
ulup.  His  lordB^e  had  hoped  would  take  place  on  the  same  afternoon 
dels  which  airS'^'^  li^i^^^l  heen  to  York  to  procure  a  clergyman,  but  found 
,n  of  wbateve«''il  the  professors  so  much  engaged,  that  none  could  attenil. 
ar'v  pattern,  antB-He  had  consequently  l)een  obliged  to  countermand  the 
deportment  "'" 


nente  are  not 
idely  ditferent, 
education  and 
has  been  de- 
will  set  a  lumi- 
ill  be  proud  to 
rogress  of  erec- 
ed  will  be  com- 
enl  rf  the  finest 
t,  which  in  time 
;nt  on  so  liberal 
greatest  literary 
for  the   moral 
irming  rejiion 
le  present  Hisho] 
four    clergymer 
iiented  nunil)er 
5ix  were  pvesen' 
ig  them,  bui  ili 
I  nee  was  told  ii 
0  has  been  pre 
much  bclovci' 
IS  power  to  ren 
Pbey  reg'U-d  his 
;^  and  uudlTecle' 
labours,  as 

ed  as  the  falhe 
anada.  He  hai 
itude  is  the  pin 
listers,  and  con 


dinner  ws 
clergy  who  alj 
isseniblageofi 


invitation.  Hearing,  however,  that  1  never  refused  to 
lender  my  services  to  any  person  who  applied,  he  had 
ome  to  solicit  them.  I  informed  him,  that  I  was  engag- 
I'l  in  packing  up  my  clothes  and  l)ooks,  and  purposed  to 
eavo  Thoridnll  on  the  following  morning.     Upon  hear- 


K 


(  l' 


n 


'  t 


h 


if 


i  • 


182 


CANADA. 


ing  this,  he  modestly  observed,  that  my  acquiescence 
might  be  a  greater  inconvenience  to  me,  tl>an  the  delay 
could  be  to  himself,  and  he  would  not  press  me  to  accom- 
pany him. 

I  was  delighted  with  this  forbearance  on  the  stranger? 
part,  and  immediately  prepared  myself  for  the  journey. 
determining  that  his  forbearance  should  meet  a  j)rnper 
recompense.     He  had  left  his  pony  at  the  end  of  a  field 
near  our  house,  and  conducted  mc  to  it.     Then  takinif 
off  his  coat,  he  fastened  it  behind  the  saddle,  and  desired 
me  to  mount.     He  ran  before  me  throus^h  the  woods  all 
ihe  way  home.     At  one  house  we  passed,  he  called  aloud 
to  the  people,  and  desired   they   '.vculd  inform   anotlici 
neighbour  that  his  son  would  be  l)\iried  innnotliately.    A 
person  also  passed  us  on  horseback,  whom  he  desired  to 
convey  the  same  intelligence  to  such  as  he  might  meet.] 
The  moment  he  reached  home,  ho  desfmtched  messcn 
gers  up  and  down  with  tidings  that  a  clergyman  had] 
arrived.      In   a  short  time   a   considoralile  niunbor 
his  friends  and  neighbours   assembled,    and  the  coftiii? 
was  screwed  down  and  placed  in  a  Avagon.     Before  wd 
reached  the  burial  ground,  a  mile  and  a  quarter  (Vonilii^ 
house,  the  congregated  multitude   amounted  to  between 
one  and  two  hundred  people.     1   delivered  a  short  ad- 
dress, in  which  I  mentioned  my  speedy  departure  from 
Canada;  but  assured  them,  that  my  praises  of  the  coun- 
try should  not  be  silent,  nor  of  the  hospitality  and  how- 
volence    of  its   inhabitants.      On   returning   from  the 
burial  ground,  the  father  offered  me  money  ;  and  on] 
finding  that  I  would  not  receive  it,  he  procured  me  a| 
horse,  and  sent  another  son  to  conduct  me  through  lliei 
forest  to  that  part  of  the  road  with  which  1  was  well  acH 
quainted.  ' 

The  behaviour  of  the  Canadians  at  Church,  and  dur- 
ing religious  ceremonies,  is,  as  far  as  I  observed,  quite 
becoming  and  proper.  They  always  appeared  to  me  tc 
discharge  their  sacred  duties  with  great  devotion.  There 
was  no  interruption  of  the  most  profound  attention,  by 

Our  medical  neighbours  assiiri 


coughing,  spitting,  «fec. 


PROSPECTS    OF    CLERGY. 


183 


J  acquiescence 
tl^an  the  (klay 
s  me  to  accora- 

n  the  strnngcri< 
for  the  journey, 
meet  a  proper 
le  end  of  a  field 
Then  taking 
die,  and  desired " 
h  the  woods  all 
,  he  called  aloud 
inform  anolliei . 
nmodiately.    A 
m  he  desired  to 
he  might  mest, 
[Pitched  messcn- 
clergyman  had 
ahle  uunibor  uf 
and  the  Cdniii 
roll.     Before  wo! 
quarter  iVomliiri 
inted  to  between 
ered  a  short  ad- 
departure  from 
ir^cs  of  the  coun- 
ality  and  bene- 
ning   from  the 
noney  ;  and  on 
procured  me  a 
ime  through  ihc 
,1  I  was  well  ac 

uuch,  and  dur-j 
observed,  quite 
Ipeared  to  me  tc 
jvotion.  There 
[\  attention, 
lififhbours  assur- 


ed  me,  that  this  arose  from  the  excellence  of  the  cUmate, 
the  air  of  which  is  much  drier  and  purer  than  with  us. 
I  think  the  atmosphere  of  Canada  preferable  to  that  of 
England,  and  my  experience  is  the  criterion.  I  could 
see  more  clearly,  and  at  a  much  greater  distance  ;  there 
was  less  of  clouds  and  more  of  sunshine ;  my  sight,  and 
general  health  grew  stronger,  than  when  in  England. 

When  it  was  known  that  I  was  about  to  return,  some 
very  respectable  emigrants  expressed  their  regret,  that 
any  clergyman  whose  labours  might  be  useful,  should 
return  to  England;  particularly  when  he  had  a  provision 
in  the  church,  and  liked  the  country.     I  replied,  that 
akhough  I  felt  myself  obliged  to  return,  the  necessity  did 
not  originate  with  myself,  for  I  like  the  country  much, 
iiid  the  people  more.     But  since  my  return  could  not  be 
averted,  1  wouki,  on  my  arrival  in  England,  mention 
pubhcly  what  1  had  seen  and  heard.    And  that  I  would 
stale  it  to  be  my  linn  opinion,  that  any  Clergyman   not 
provided  for  in  JiUgland,  nor  possessing  friends  to  procure 
Lis  promotion,  would  surely  advance  the  interests  of  his 
tamily   by   emigration.     Yet   I    must  state,   upon   the 
strength  of  what  1  have  heard  the  Bishop  and  Archdea- 
con mention,  that  no  clergyman  of  dubious  character,  or 
of  inferior  talents  as  a  preacher,  shall  never  have  in  his 
power  to  lay  to  my  charg«\  the  disappointments  he  may 
meet  with  in  emigrating.     JSuch  clergymen   are  best  at 
home.     When  the  arrangements  now   in  progress  are 
more  matured.  I  am  persuaded  the  clergy  there  will  l)e 
better  circumstanced  than  those  in  England  ;  and   per- 
sons every  way  (jualilied  for  the  office  of  a  parish  priest, 
will  be  not  only  willing  but  glad  to  remove  thither  with 
iheir  families.     Any  other  description  of  clergymen  than 
die  truly  j)ious  and  deserving,  will,  I  am  confident,  be 
regarded  by  the  rulers  and  dignitaries  there,  with  no  fa- 
vourable aspect. 

The  Methodists  are  very  numerous  throughout  all  the 
country,  and  use  every  possible  exertion  to  thwart  the 
views  of  the  estal)lished  Church.  1  was  informed  hy  an 
episcopal  minister,  of  sonie  years  residence  in  Canada, 


? 


1 1 


i  J 


'    i 


i   M 

I 


r? 


«i 


11! 


j,^ 


;'5.  C 


l!.i 
i''' 


I 


;  i;  i      I 


!     1 


1  li; 


1 4 

'  '. 

1^ 

j 

1 

:'f 

1^  \ 

i 

H 

t  '  II 

i', 


11  -I 


;{; 


184 


CANADA. 


that  nothing  gives  greater  annoyance  to  the  Methodists, 
than  the  establishment  in  anv  district  of  a  new  mission. 
and  the  appointment  of  an  efficient  minister.     Where 
this  takes  place,  their  efforts  are  redoubled.     This  in- 
deed is  naturally  to  be  looked  for.     They  derive,  I  vv  as 
told,  a  small  stipend  from  the  United  States  Methodist 
Society,  but  in  itself  inadequate  to  their  maintenance. 
This,  however,  was  denied  by  some.     They  are  conse- 
quently dependent  in  some  measure  on  the  voluniaiy 
contributions,  which  those  of  their  congregation  who  are 
able,  chose  to  give  them.     Where  a  church  establish- 
ment has  been  formed,  the  Methodists  gain  no  respecta- 
ble  converts.       In  extensive  districts,   where  are  no 
churches,  they  bear  unlimited  sway.     I  do  not  deny  thai 
good  is  produced  by  them  in  several  ways.     They  pre- 
vent the  people  from  being  altogether  without  religious 
instruction ;  they  establish  Sunday  Schools  in  diflerent 
places  ;    they  stimulate  clergymen  of   the  establisiieii 
Church  to  greater  exertions ;  and   they   point  out  tin 
good  effects   of    well-concerted  measures  unanimously 
pursued.     There  is,  perhaps,  no  body  of  ministers  su 
systematic  as  those  of  tlie  Methodist  persuasion,  as  well  | 
in   their  modes  of  declamation,  as  in   their  plans  of  J 
church  governmeat.     They  are  the  same  in  every  place  j 
and  with  the  same  hostility  to  establishments  of  all  kinds. 
The  salaries  of  their  ministers  are  small ;  yet  I  was  told ; 
that  wherever  they  go  they  have  houses  always  ready  to  ] 
furnish  food  and  lodgings  for  them  and  their  cattle.  The 
expenses  of  their  maintenance  are  very  small,  because  ij 
they  mostly  live  at  other  people's  tables.     They  are^ 
therefore  as  well  paid  as  ministers  of  our  own  Churcli;| 
and  much  better,  if  we  have  respect  to  their  inferior] 
education,  and  the  trifling  expense  it  costs  them  in  ac- 
(|uiring. 

A  gentlemen  of  great  influence  on  Yonge-street,  re-  { 
lated  an  anecdote  characteristic  of  the  preachers  and] 
denomination  as  a  body.     He  had  often  seen  a  carter 
who  drove  the  wagons  of  a  farmer  along  the  road,  and! 
admired  his  steady  and  sober  habits.    Having  niissedl 


METHODISTS. 


186 


he  Methodists, 
L  new  mission, 
lister.  Where 
ied.     This  in- 

derive.  I  was 
ates  Methodist 
r  maintenance, 
iiey  are  conse-  I 

the  voluntary 
igation  who  are 
iirch  establish- 
lin  no  respecla- 

where  are  i»u 
10  not  deny  ili^i  | 
,ys.     They  pre- 
vithout  religious 
ools  in  dillereiii 

the  established  I 
'   point  out  tile 
es  unanimously 

of  ministers  su 
[suasion,  as  well| 
theiv  plans  d\ 
le  in  every  place 

ints  of  all  kinds. 
yet  1  was  told ; 

[always  ready  to 

leir  cattle.  The 
small,  because! 

es.     They  are^ 
r  own  Church; 

.0  their  inferior! 
Its  them  in  ac- 

''onge-street,  re- 
preachers  and 

seen  a  carter! 

the  road,  and] 
laving  missed! 


him  for  some  time,  the  gentleman  inquired  of  his  master 
what  had  become  of  him ;  and  was  answered,  that  he 
had  turned  preacher.  "  Preacher ! "  said  the  gentleman, 
"what  quahfications  had  he  for  the  office?"  "He is 
sober  and  moral,  and  can  read  his  Bible,"  said  the  mas- 
ter, "  and  is  very  well  qualified  I  assure  you." 

Another  preacher  of  the  same  denomination  was  a 
cobbler,  a  little  distance  from  Thornhill.  A  gentleman 
whose  residence  was  close  to  the  cobbler's  went  once  to 
hear  him,  and  found  his  sermon  to  consist  of  texts  of 
Scripture  (juoted  at  random,  without  any  connexion, 
method,  or  order.  Perhaps  such  sermons  addressed  to 
very  ignorant  people,  may  be  quite  as  edifying  as  more 
elaborate  discourses. 

Perhaps  as  ignorant  Methodist  preachers,  and  class- 
leaders  could  be  found  in  England,  as  in  that  country. 
Two  well-authenticated  anecdotes  were  told  me,  when 
lilHng  the  situation  of  parish  priest,  in  a  part  of  York- 
shire ;  the  i'ormer  illustrative  of  the  ignorance,  the  latter 
of  the  daring  metaphors  prevalent  among  them.  At  a 
las>:.  or  prayer  meeting,  one  porsson  when  praying,  uitered 
ihi<  petition ;  "  Make  us,  good  [jord,  like  Sodom  and 
Gomorrow."  All  present,  except  one,  cried  amen.  The 
UK"  who  refused,  raised  his  voice,  and  declaied  his  un- 
wilHn2:ness  to  sav  amen.  On  heino;'  demanded  his  rea- 
-.Q\\.  he  repled,  "  Sodom  and  Gomorrow  were  two  very 
wicked  men."  The  other  anecdote  was  of  a  ranter. 
who  when  preaching  informed  his  hearers,  "  We'll 
make  the  Devil  a  bankrupt  in  this  place."  W  e'll  sell 
iiiiii  up."  vociferated  one  of  the  company.  "Yes,"  re- 
plied the  modest  preacher,  '•  we'll  sell  him  up,  ])Ots,  and 
;ian^.  and  all."  The  al)ove  anecdotes  were  told  me  by 
I  persons  who  declared  they  were  present  and  heard 
iliein. 

Yet  tlie  above  denomination,  although  very  numerous 
ill  Canada,  ;uid  withal  most  inveterate  against  the 
>tal)lished  Chu'ch,  are  not  the  only  entunies  which 
ilipose  its  increase.  I  was  one  day  walking  to  a  brother 
derevman's.  and  met  on  the  road  an  elderlv  man.  of 


H 


M 


:! 


186 


CANADA. 


k  t   ' 


! 


'■  I 


Al' 


iii!; 


'  t 


I-    ' 


>vhom  1  inquired  the  way.  After  directing  me  how  to 
proceed,  he  became  very  inquisitive  and  communicative. 
He  inquired  my  profession,  which  I  told  him.  He 
then  proceeded  to  inform  me  of  his  own.  "  The  Church 
of  Rome,"  he  said,  "is  the  whore  of  Babylon,  and 
the  Church  of  England  is  her  daughter,  and  the 
Kirk  of  Scotland  is  no  purer  than  either,  but  is  equally 
depraved  and  corrupt.  I  belong  to  the  reformed  Presby- 
terian Church,  which  is  the  only  religion  truly  apos- 
tolic." 

This  gentleman  is  a  preacher  from  Scotland.  Being 
very  poor,  his  congregation  presented  him  with  a  piece  of 
land,  which  he  cultivates  himself,  and  goes  up  and  down 
at  intervals  to  diffuse  rehgious  instruction  among  his 
neighbours,  whom  he  strives  to  convince  of  the  purity 
of  his  church  above  all  others  on  the  earth.  He  is  ex- 
ceedingly liberal  of  abuse  against  Episcopalians ;  and 
never  concludes  a  sermon,  without  condemning  them 
with  his  heartiest  maledictions. 

Our  landlady  was  one  of  his  hearers,  and  informed  us 
tliat  he  w^as  a  great  favourite,  because  he  was  a  plain 
man,  and  had  no  pride  or  finery  about  him,  but  was  just 
like  one  of  themselves.  This  standard  of  judginij 
iiniong  the  uninformed  is  as  general  in  one  place  as  in 
another.  A  clergyman  in  England,  of  strict  moral 
rectitude,  and  of  great  piety,  succeeded  one,  whose  mode 
of  living  and  acting  was  the  reverse.  His  predecessor 
had  iDcen  accustomed  to  associate  on  the  most  familiar 
terms  with  his  tlock,  and  to  eat,  drink,  and  play  at  card? 
with  any  person ;  and  in  consequence  was  quite  a 
favourite  in  the  place.  The  sober  and  pious  minister 
gave  general  dissatisfaction,  by  declining  the  footsteps  ol 
his  predecessor.  He  set  his  face  against  cards  and  dram-  j 
drinking,  and  against  every  tiling  of  immoral  tendency  : 
so  his  parishioners  set  their  faces  against  him,  and  pcti 
tioiied  the  Bishop  to  remove  him ';  alleging  that  he  wtxi 
haughty,  austere,  and  unsocial. 

There  r,re  numerous  bodies  of  Roman  Catholics  in  the 
Canadas.      The    ministers   of  this   denomination  are. 
second  in  point  of  sound  learning,  to  Episcopal  Clergy- 


It;  < 


SHAKING    QUAKERS. 


187 


g  me  how  to 
DQmunicative. 
)ld  him.  He 
'The  Church 
Babylon,  and 
iter,  and  the 
but  is  equally 
)rmed  Presby- 
)n  truly  apos- 

itland.  Being 
with  a  piece  of 
3  up  and  down 
m  among  his 
;  of  the  purity 
fth.  He  is  ex- 
;opalians ;  and 
lemning  them 

nd  informed  us 
le  was  a  plain 
n,  but  was  just 
,rd  of  judging  \ 
ine  place  as  in  ; 
»f  strict  moral  ; 
le,  whose  mode 
is  predecessor 
most  familial 
id  play  at  card; 
was  quite  a 
pious  ministei 
the  footsteps  ol 
lards  and  dram 
loral  tendency ; 
him,  and  pcti 
g  that  he  wa^ 

'atholics  in  the 
[omination  are 
Iscopal  Clergy 


men  alone.  Indeed,  in  the  Lower  Province,  where  they 
possess  large  resources,  and  form  the  prevailing  religious 
denomination,  their  schools  and  colleges  are  of  conside- 
rable eminence  and  merit.  The  impression  left  on  my 
mind,  from  every  inquiry  I  could  make,  was,  that  in 
Montreal  and  Quebec  sound  education  is  carried  to  a 
greater  extent  than  in  any  other  cities  of  the  New  world, 
York,  in  Upper  Canada,  excei)ted.  No  person  settling 
Id  the  larger  towns  of  Canada,  need  fear  that  places  of 
public  instruction  are  not  provided  for  his  children. 

There  are  great  numbers  of  Presbyterians  in  the 
country:  this  denomination  is  almost  universally  well 
instructed  in  all  useful  knowledge.  In  Upper  Canada 
they  have  lately  founded  a  college  which  will  add  much 
to  their  respectabihty.  I  have  heard  the  episco})al  clergy 
of  Canada  speak  of  them  in  terms  of  great  respect,  and 
also  of  the  Wesleyan  Methodists.  Every  denomination, 
except  the  common  Methodists,  appear  to  have  found  out, 
that  the  officiating  ministers  of  their  order,  are  more  re- 
spected by  being  more  learned.  Nothing  tends  so 
effectually  to  secure  to  teachers  the  deference  of  their 
tlocks,  as  a  good  education,  unless  the  moral  character 
be  tainted.  Of  this  truth,  Canadian  Presbyterians  are 
sensible ;  and  having  perceived  its  essential  requirement 
in  the  present  enlightened  age,  they  have  founded  a  col- 
lege to  promote  it. 

There  is  a  Quaker  establishment  at  Newmarket, 
tearing  some  affinity  to  the  Shaking  Quakers,  yet  with 
striking  peculiarities  which  distinguish  them.  Their 
superintendent  is  an  old  man,  styled  King  David  ;  but 
why  graced  with  regal  appellation  I  could  never  learn. 
He  assumes  the  entire  control  of  both  their  temporal  and 
spiritual  affairs.  1  am  disposed  to  believe,  that  where 
large  concerns  are  under  the  direction  of  one  person, 
competent  to  manage  them,  there  is  greater  uniformity 
of  operations,  and  more  success,  than  where  the  direction 
IS  conducted  by  the  multitutle  individually.  This  society 
hab  all  along  been,  and  is  now,  in  a  nourishing  condition. 
King  David  has  erected  a  sumptuous  temple,  of  great 


II 


J 


I  l! 


I" 


;',i;i 


«*  ■' 


188 


CANADA. 


extent  and  elegance.  He  has  his  singing  men  and  sing- 
ing women,  all  obedient  to  his  nod.  The  women  of  his 
establishment  assemble  previous  to  entering  the  temple, 
and  march  thither  for  public  worship,  two  abreast,  with 
as  much  regularity  as  a  file  of  soldiers. 

King  David  frequently  goes  to  a  great  distance,  in 
order  to  edify  the  people  of  other  townships  by  his  music 
and  eloquence.  I  have  often  seen  him  passing  along 
the  road,  with  two  wagons  in  his  train ;  he  proceeded 
in  a  third  wagon.  Ho  never  performs  such  religious 
errantly,  without  being  accompanied  by  his  virgins  six 
in  number,  selected  from  among  the  females  of  his 
household,  for  their  superior  voices.  These  virgins  are 
conve3'ed  in  the  same  wagon  with  himself  over  which 
tlieie  is  an  awniuir,  to  shelter  them  from  the  inclemeucv 
of  the  weather,  and  from  sultry  rays.  In  one  of  the 
other  wagons  follow  as  many  youths,  who  form  an  ac- 
companiment to  the  damsels,  and  swell  the  anthems  and 
liosannalis  by  vocal  and  instrumental  music.  In  ihc 
remaining  wagon  ore  transported  from  place  to  place, 
their  musical  instruments,  and  apparatus  of  varioii; 
kinds.  These  two  last  wagons  have  no  covering.  He 
never  fails  to  attract  a  large  assemblage  of  people,  wliere- 
ever  his  royal  i)resence  is  announced.  The  music  ot 
his  sacred  band  is  considered  ciuious ;  and  the  oddity 
of  his  maimer,  and  his  condemnation  of  the  Established 
(,'hurch,  and  of  the  government,  are  aj)proved  of  by 
many.  He  never  concludes  a  sermon,  in  which  Ijitter 
anathemas  have  not  been  fulminated  against  bishops 
and  governors. 

Some  medical  gentlemen  emigrate  from  the  States 
into  Canada ;  but  I  believe  they  are  never  employed, 
where  one  from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland  can  be  procnr- 
al.  American  physicians  do  not  commonly  place  them- 
selves in  any  situation  in  which  competition  with  Euro- 
peans is  hazarded.  If  any  professional  gentlemen  from 
the  Instates  be  found  in  such  neighbourhood,  he  forms  an 
exception  from  the  general  rule.  There  was  one  such 
at   Thornhill.  but  his  skill  was  not  considered   as  en- 


tidingl 
liinitej 

A 
ought] 
paid 
village 
the  StI 
and  v\ 
found,! 
places, 
miles 
jentlei 
dislanc 
ilollar 
becomi 
bourho 
and  in 
irict  of 
any  re 
family  i 

A  mi 
whom  i 
purchas 
his  fam 
fessiona 
and  enc 
my  fan] 
and  see 
his  car: 
along  tl 
me  that 
for  him 
as  large 
two  of 
did  not 
xcasioi 
son  he 
by  a  pi 
readily 


I  .  I 


men  and  sing- 
i  women  of  his 
ing  the  temple, 
0  abreast,  with 

sat  distance,  in 

Ds  by  his  music 

passint^  along 

;  tie  proceeded 

sucli  rehgious 

his  virgins  six 

emales  of  his 

ese  virgins  are 

elf  over  which 

Lhe  inclerneucy 

In  one  of  the 

10  form  an  ac- 

e  anthems  and 

nusic.     Ill  the 

place  to  place. 

us   of   vaiioii; 

covering.     H(; 

people,  wlieie- 

The  u\u<\k  ot 

id  the  oddity 

le  Established 

)roved  of  by 

which  Ijitter 

ainst   bislioj)s 

)m  the  States 
er  employed, 
an  be  piocnr- 
y  place  tliem- 
n  with  Euro- 
Qtlemen  from 
he  forms  an 
vas  one  such 
[lered  as  eii- 


MEDICAL    PROFESSION'. 


1S9 


titling  him  to  much  patronage.  His  practice  was  very 
limited,  and  confined  chiefly  to  the  lower  orders. 

A  medical  man,  who  cannot  ride  much  on  horseback, 
ought  not  to  go  into  that  country.  So  highly  are  doctors 
paid  in  some  places  densely  peopled,  that  towns  and 
villages  are  generally  well  supplied.  Medical  men  from 
the  States  are  often  found  wandering  up  and  down ; 
and  where  European  physicians  or  surgeons  are  not 
found,  take  possession  of  the  practice.  In  more  remote 
places,  a  doctor  lias  frecjuently  to  ride  fifteen  or  twenty 
miles  to  many  of  his  patients.  The  English  Me(Mcal 
gentleman  near  us,  was  often  sent  for  to  the  r.bove 
jistance.  His  charge  for  an  ordinary  journey  was  a 
dollar  a  mile.  He  was  making  a  rapid  fortune,  and 
becoming  one  of  the  wealthiest  gentlemen  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood. There  are  many  places  upon  Yonge-street, 
and  in  the  districts  around,  and,  I  believe,  in  every  dis- 
trict of  the  country,  which  are  very  populous,  and  where 
any  respectable  medical  practitioner  might  settle  hk 
family  in  certain  afiluence. 

A  medical  gentleman,  who  emigrated  last  spring,  and 
whom  all  persons  who  know  him  unite  in  esteeming, 
purchased  a  farm  near  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  and  located 
his  family  upon  it.  He  immediately  resumed  his  pro- 
fessional duties,  and  found  the  most  flattering  reception 
and  encouragement.  I  passed  a  week  at  the  Falls  with 
my  family,  and  had  frequent  opportunities  of  hearing  of, 
and  seeing  his  prosperity  and  success.  He  took  me  in 
his  carriage,  for  a  little  excursion,  to  a  patient's  house, 
along  the  Chippewa  Creek,  and  during  the  drive,  assured 
me  that  he  had  fallen  into  practice,  which  would  realize 
for  him  eleven  hundred  pounds  a  year.  This  is  almost 
as  large  an  income  as  any  medical  mui  ^  except  one  or 
two  of  the  most  eminent  can  obtain  in  New- York.  He 
did  not  expect  to  be  paid  altogether  in  money  ;  but  this 
occasioned  him  no  inconvenience.  A  farmer,  whose 
son  he  had  attended,  offered  to  discharge  his  obligation 
by  a  present  in  produce  from  his  land.  The  doctor 
readily  complied,  and  a  cart-load  of  wheat  and  oats  W£^8 


^. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MS80 

(716)  S72-4S03 


190 


CANADA. 


speedily  laid  at  his  door.  *•  These  articles,"  said  the 
medical  ^erlleinen,  "  I  was  in  need  of  at  the  time. 
The  fanner  felt  himself  obliged  by  my  acceptance  of 
theni,  and  I  felt  obliged  to  him  for  the  handsome  re- 
muneration lie  aflbrded  me,  and  his  handsome  manner 
of  delivering  them,  when  he  knew  they  would  be 
taken." 

This  gentlemen,  and  every  per&on  I  conversed  witli. 
who  had  recently  arrived,  and  located  himself,  praised 
the  unbounded  kindness  and  hospitality  of  the  Canadi- 
ans. He  gave  me  the  adilress  of  his  brother,  a  genile- 
man  in  the  law,  who  resides  in  London ;  and  desired  1 
would  conununicate  to  him  the  pros|)erity  and  welfare 
of  his  (.'anadian  brother,  whom  Canada  and  its  people 
had  captivated,  and  who  had  enrolled  himself  and  lii; 
family  among  them  for  ever,  to  spend  his  tip^e  and  ex- 
ertions lor  their  benefit  and  bis  own,  to  receive  and  coni- 
niunicate  reciprocated  kindness,  with  them  to  live  uiul 
to  die.  1  lis  advice  to  his  brother  would  have  been  to  jiu 
and  join  iiiin.  had  not  a  prohibitory  law  existed,  to  the 
exchi:-ion  of  iMiglish  lawyers. 

Education  in  country  places  is  not  so  far  advanced  a? 
in  towns,  :\or  are  facilities  of  imparting  it  so  general  or 
ciVective  :  Yet  1  am  greatly  mistaken,  if  there  are  many 
persons  in  Canada  who  cannot  read  and  write,  if  we 
except  poorcmiirrants  from  Europe.  General  instruction 
of  the  poor,  alihouub  not  ecjual  to  what  it  is  in  England, 
or  in  tile  United  Stales,  is  far  from  despicable,  and  is 
making  rapid  strides  in  every  part.  There  are  a  few 
goverijnent  schools  in  some  districts,  the  masters  of 
which  riiceivc  one  hundred  pounds  annually  ;  but  these 
are  not  numerous.  The  teachers  of  other  schools  de- 
rive no  assistance  from  government,  unless  the  number 
of  their  pupils  average  twenty-five  for  six  months ;  in 
which  case  a  gratuity  is  given  of  ten  pounds,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  pay  of  their  scholars. 

L  have  already  mentioned  that  a  sunday  school  wcus 
connnenced  under  my  superintendence,  at  Thornhill. 
SJuklar  sunday  schools  are  in  operation  throughout  all 


.he 

III  ( 

scho 

ileav 

}>npi; 

ihat 

:n  t 

ain 

ii^ec 

jtortc 

ropri 

^v 

111  U: 

Anie 
..ir  tr 
:ii  N 
onip 
I'l  cal 
f  ob 
'i<iri  ( 
arge 
irrive 
:ralifi 
arriei 
:wks 

Pu 
•^taie? 
Aork, 
.iitere 
inea 
j'rovcc 
pursu 
iif  it,  ^ 
'la  is  I 
or  cv( 
ihere 
Hiniul 
liandr 

Th 


EDUCATION. 


191 


tides,"  said  the 
of  at  the  time. 
ly  acceptance  of 
LC  handsome  re- 
idsome  manner 
they   would  he 

conversed  with. 

himself,  praised 
f  of  the  CanaiU- 
jrother,  a  genile- 
1 ;  and  desired  I 
rity  and  welfare 
la  and  its  people 

himself  and  lib 
his  tip^e  and  ex- 
veceive  and  com- 
them  to  live  aiul 
I  have  been  to  iru 
w  existed,  to  the 

)  far  advanced  a? 

it  so  general  oi 
there  arc  many 
nd  write,  if  \sf 

neral  instructioi! 

it  is  in  England. 

espicable,  and  is 

I'here  are  a  few 
the  masters  of 

jually  ;  but  these 
ther  schools  dc- 

less  the  nu miter 
six  months ;  in 
ounds,  in  addi- 

Inday  school  wa.s 
at  Thoridiill. 
throughout  all 


he  country.  Each  denomination  has  its  own.  except 
111  districts  where  |X)pulation  is  thin,  and  where  one 
=cliool  receives  children  of  all  j)crsua.^ion.<.  (Jreat  en- 
deavours are  making  to  facilitate  the  erdiglitoning  of  the 
^Ktpulation.  Yet  one  thing  1  felt  grieved  at  observing, 
hat  books  in  Canada  are  much  dearer  and  ^carcer  than 
;n  the  States.  Perhaps  this  is  unavuidabN*.  but  it  cer- 
ainly  impedes  information.  Many  books  of  instruction 
ii>ed  in  Canada,  arc  reprints  of  Engli-h  authors,  im- 
jiorted  from  America.  There  arc  some  jX'pular  works 
reprinted  in  Canada,  but  they  arc  not  nuni'-run.-. 

While  we  were  in  New-York,  an  eldrriy  ft  male  called 
ni  us  monthly,  to  leave  a  small  publication  ediied  by  the 
American  Tract  Society,  bbe  informed  us,  that  a  simi- 
ar  tract  to  the  one  she  left  us,  was  left  with  rvery  family 
ill  New-York  once  a  month.  We  never  gnve  her  any 
onipensation  for  her  tract  or  trouble,  }et  six;  omitted  not 
!o  call  on  us  in  her  rounds.  This  was  a  phasant  mode 
f  obtaining  books,  although  (hey  convened  no  informa- 
lori  to  one  like  myself,  nor  were  nnicb  waiiird  in  so 
arge  a  city,  where  1  had  my  books.  iUii  when  1  had 
irrived  in  Canada,  they  would  have  all'ordcd  a  periodical 
.'ratification,  could  they  have  been  procnrrd.  since  i 
'.irried  no  religious  publications  with  nic,  but  bibles  and 
iiKiks  of  prayer. 

Publications  of  all  kinds  are  more  ihiukmous  in  the 
States  than  in  Canada.  There  is  one  Ani' riciU)  literary 
work,  which  has  no  parallel  publication,  as  to  aeneral 
nterest  or  utility  to  farmers,  in  the  l*iiii>b  provinc«'s; — 


1  mean  the  Genesee  Farmer.     It  details  the  most 


ap- 


jirovcd  discoveries  and  plans,  for  reutleriiig  agricultural 
jHirsuits  more  easy  aiul  profitable.  I  read  ^oino  uimdjers 
if  it,  which  contained  several  usefid  oIni  i  valions.  Cana- 
la  is  perhaps  too  young  a  country  tor  the  I'ncouragement 
or  even  the  production  of  such  coiiinnnjications:  yet 
ihcre  are'^agricultural  societies,  formed  \\\\\\  a  view  to 
stimulate  settlers  to  greater  exertions  in  improved  hus- 
liandry. 
There  had   been  no  literary  society   established   in 


Jilli 


'I ' 


i 


4 


K  'i  [ 


(   I  l; 


1    ". 


Jii    I 

.It  ' 


192 


CANADA. 


Upper  Canada  till  last  summer.  The  Archdeacon  of 
York,  actuated  by  a  laudable  desire  of  advancing  litera- 
ture and  science  generally,  bestowed  a  valuable  piece  of 
ground  on  which  to  erect  an  edifice  for  a  literary  cluli 
A  number  of  gentlemen  in  and  around  York,  formed  a 
committee  for  the  prosecuting  of  it.  The  Archdeacon 
who  is  a  zealous  encourager  of  knowledge  and  instruc- 
tion, was  the  chairman,  ami  delivered  an  inagural  lec- 
ture, which  he  was  about  to  publish  when  1  left  the 
place.  The  members  will  be  recjuired  to  contriluite 
their  portion  towards  the  circulation  of  knowledge  ;  each 
being  l)ound  to  deliver  a  lecture  in  turn.  Physical  sci- 
ence comes  more  immediately  under  the  proposed  plan ; 
but  philosophy,  and  other  interesting  branches  of  lilera 
ture  will  be  admitted. 

A  splendid  instance  of  large  endowments  of  colleg.^ 
presented  itself  while  we  resided  in  the  States,  made  by 
a  gentleman  who  had  amassed  an  immense  fortune  in 
business.     The  late   Mr.  Girard,  of  Philadelphia,  he 
ijueathed  possessions  ecjual  to  almost  two  millions  ster- 
ling, for  the  purpose  of  allbrding  education  to  the  poorer 
classes.     The  colleges  which  his  property  will  found,  arc 
not  confined  to  any  class  ;  but  they  have  principally  thi; 
education  of  the  poor  for  their  object.     He  did  not  leave 
all  his  property  to  one  establishment,  nor  to  one  i^^tate : 
the  greatest  portion  of  it  was  left,  however,  for  tlie  o^ 
tablishment  of  a  college  in  Philadelphia,  from  which 
classical  learning  will  be  excluded.     English,  and  I  be- 
lieve some  other  living  languages,  and  all  tilings  con 
nected  with  ordinary  and  every-day  business,  and  with 
the  usual  pursuits  of  life, — such  as  history,  mathenia 
tics,  geography,  chemistry,  and  many  other  branches  of 
instruction,  are  directed  to  be  taught.    .If  it  be  carried 
into  effect,  according  to  the  will  of  its  founder,  it  will  be 
the  most  extensive  establishment  of  the  kind  in  the 
new  world,  and  perhaps  without  a  parallel  even  in  the 
old. 

No  clergyman  is  permitted  to  be  a  professor,  nor  to 
be  concerned  in  the  management  of  its  affairs.     Mr 


Girl 

<ion| 

nieii 

ihe 

la 

lor 

rlicli 

,11  c 
l.lisl] 

10   g| 

vhic 

iiiiXsJ 
T 

llir^tC 

)ihe 
'crta 
■:oim 
111  t 
iheir 
ling, 
caiio 
as  A 
ing  1 
out  I 
iud  1 
had 
ing  1 
prov( 

iJUS, 

?clio( 
or  th 
purte 
in  c 

thini 

Thi; 

setth 
ill  u; 
of  e' 
tort 


!  ■    t 


EDUCATIOX. 


le  Archdeacon  of 

advancing  litera- 

valuable  piece  of 

or  a  literary  cluli 

d  York,  formed  a 

The  Archdeacon. 

edge  and  instruc- 

an  inagiirfil  lec- 

when   I  left  the 

ired  to  contrihute 

knowledge ;  each 

rn.     Physical  sn- 

\e  proposed  plan; 

aranchcs  of  liiora 

'^ments  of  coI!egt;> 

e  States,  made  by 

imense  fortune  in 

Philadelphia,  be- 

two  millions  ster- 

^tion  to  the  poorer 

ty  will  found,  are 

ive  principally  the 

He  did  not  leave 

nor  to  one  S^tate : 

vever,  for  the  c;-- 

)hia,   from  which 

riglish,  and   I  be- 

1  all  things  con 

isiness,  and  witfi 

istory,  mathenia 

)ther  branches  of 

.If  it  be  carried 

Hinder,  it  will  bt 

he  kind  in  the 

llel  even  in  the 

professor,  nor  lu 
its  affairs.     Mr. 


193 


Girard,  like  many  Americans,  was  under  the  impres- 
Mon,  that  religion  and  its  ministers,  with  professional 
men  of  eminence  generally,  have  in  all  countries  been 
ihe  enslavers  of  the  people ;  and  therefore  founded  such 
la  institution,  as  cannot  from  its  nature,  qualify  |)ersons 
lor  professional  employments.  I  could  wish  that  some 
•iich  patriotic  and  public-spirited  men  were  to  be  found 
111  Canada.  There  is  great  need  there  of  similar  esta- 
iilishments  for  education.  Information  has  a  tendency 
to  give  a  man  respect  for  himself  nnil  his  cliaracter, 
vliich  always  elevates  hiiu  in  the  chain  of  rational  Ije- 
iiiiTs,  and  which  Americans  generally  pos^:e.ss. 

The  Americans  are  certaiidy  better  instructed  in  the 
history  of  their  own  country,  than  the  people  of  any 
)llier  country  are  in  theirs.  General  information  ft>  a 
•ertain  extent  is  more  widely  dilFused  there,  than  in  any 
■  ountry  on  the  globe.  It  is  not,  however,  profound  eve)) 
111  the  best  educated.  To  this  general  information, 
their  newspapers  and  journals,  their  expeditions  travel- 
ling, their  books  of  all  kinds,  and  their  places  of  edu- 
cation generally  tend.  The  Canadians  are  n-^  patriotic 
as  Americans,  but  have  not  the  same  facility  i>f  .accjuir 
lag  knowledge.  They  were  left  for  many  ys;ars  with- 
out anjMuuturing  attention  from  the  parei'.t  country; 
ind  had  many  dilliculties  to  surmount,  wlucli  the  States 
had  surmounted  above  a  century.  Yet,  notwithstand- 
ing this,  the  Canadians  are  making  abtoui.-hing  im- 
provements. Their  newspapers  are  almost  as  numer- 
ous, comparatively  speaking  as  in  Anieri;n.  Their 
schools  have  multiplied  abundantly  within  the  last  two 
or  three  years  although  not  publicly  endo\v«'ii,  nor  sup- 
puiied  by  goverinnent.  It  is  true,  that  iea»'hers  are, 
in  country  places,  not  liberally  paid :  but  the  same 
thing  takes  place  in  the  States  to  as  great  an  extent. 
This,  indeed,  must  be  the  condition  of  every  recently 
settled  country,  and  is  unavoidably  the  case.  It  would, 
in  iny  jud^^ment,  be  a  prudent  measure,  for  tlie  people 
of  every  township  to  secure  a  portion  of  land  sufficient 
for  the  endowment  of  parish  or  ('istrict  schools  through- 

R 


t     t 


f/f^'ft  (' 


194 


CANAPA. 


i 


!•     I 


»  » 


•  ;!( 


r 


out  tlie  country,  whilst  land  is  plentiful,  and  of  easy  ac 
quiiement. 

A  mathematical  professor  in  one  of  the  American  col 
leges,  originally  from  England,  the  son  of  one  of  ihr 
most  eminent  English  mathematical  teachers  of  his  day, 
applied  for  a  similar  situation  in  the  college  at  York,  In  it 
was  rejected.  He  had  grown  weary  of,  or  at  least  did 
not  admire  the  manners  of  Americans  and  the  republi- 
can conduct  of  his  pupils.  His  rejection  was  proper : 
since  gentlemen  of  equal  talents,  who  have  not  debas-ed 
themselves  by  accepting  employment  among  an  inferior 
class  of  scholars,  can  always  be  found  to  fill  such  hoii 
ourable  situations. 

A  gentleman  who  had  emigrated  to  the  States  from 
Great  Britain  before  ordination,  and  been  admitted  fci 
ordination  in  America,  and  who  had  also  l)ecome  dir?sativ 
fied  with  his  adopted  country,  applied  to  the  dignitaiien 
of  the  Canadian  church  for  admission  into  its  service 
His  qualifications,  which  were  of  suflTicient  extent  to  fii 
him  very  well  for  America,  would  not  sanction  his  ac- 
ceptance there,  and  he  met  with  a  similar  repulse  to 
that  of  the  mathematical  teacher.  Indeed,  there  arc 
prohibitory  clauses,  I  was  told,  in  the  ecclesiastical  law. 
which  exclude  an  American-ordained  clergyman  from  a 
mission  of  Canada. 

The  medical  gentleman  whom  I  have  mentioned  a^ 
having  emigrated  last  year,  and  having  settled  near 
the  Falls  of  Niagara,  a  person  of  great  experience 
in  life,  and  sufficiently  advanced  in  age  to  form  cool 
and  deliberate  views,  told  me,  when  about  to  leave  the 
the  Falls,  that  his  observations  led  him  to  believe  that 
no  professional  gentleman  should  enter  Canada,  whos(; 
sole  dependence  is  his  pursuit  in  life.  He  imagined  a 
few  hundred  pounds  desirable,  not  only  to  provide  nece^ 
saries  till  his  practice  becomes  extensive,  but  also  to  en- 
sure respectability.  I  regard  this  gentleman  as  possess- 
ed of  sound  judgment :  yet  my  observations  shewed 
me,  that  a  medical  practitioner  without  much  capital. 
may  readily  succeed,  if  possessed  of  exertion  and  activi- 


IV. 

ac 


il'L 


EDUCATION. 


195 


,  and  of  easy  ao 

le  American  ro! 
n  of  one  of  the 
ichers  of  \m  day, 
lege  at  York.  I  mi 
f,  or  at  least  did 
and  the  repuhli- 
ion  was  proper : 
lave  not  debased 
iiionjT  an  inferior 
to  fill  such  hon- 

the  States  from 
)een  admitted  fn 
)  become  dissativ 
to  the  dignitaries 

into  its  service. 
ient  extent  to  fit 

sanction  his  ac- 
niilar  repulse  to 
ideed,  there  arc 
cclesiastical  law. 
ergyman  from  a 

,ve  mentioned  a^ 
ing  settled  near 
Treat  cxperienci.' 
ge  to  form  cool 
out  to  leave  the 
to  believe  that 
Canada,  whoso 
He  imagined  a 
to  provide  neces- 
,  but  also  to  en- 
man  as  possess- 
vations  shewed 
much  capital, 
tion  and  activi- 


ty.    Such  gentlemen  are  greatly  needed,  and  meet  with 
a  cordial  welcome. 

I  will  add  a  little  advice  of  my  own,  which  may  not 
1x3  unscasonalile.  I  would  recojnmend  no  professional 
frentleman  to  emigrate  to  Canada  without  letters  of  in- 
troduction to  the  governor.  I'or  although  I  felt  not  the 
slightest  inconvenience  from  want  of  introductions,  yet 
I  woidd  by  no  means  recommend  the  same  course  to 
others.  I  was  received  in  the  most  gracious  manner ; 
but  my  case  was  novel,  and  a  repetition  of  such  omis- 
sion might  experience  the  coolness  of  a  twice-told  tale. 

1  will  venture  to  aflirm.that  there  is  a  greater  unformity 
of  speech  throughout  the  United  States,  than  through 
any  other  region  of  similar  extent  and  population.  This 
i5  produced  from  using  school-books  with  written  acceiits, 
and  made  to  guide  the  pronunciation.  Walker's  Dic- 
tionary is  regarded  as  the  standard,  and  every  American 
13  taught  to  conform  himself  to  its  rules.  I  do  not 
mean  to  say,  that  Americans  pronounce  as  Mr.  Walker 
pronounced.  Their  mode  of  speaking  is  not  with  the 
same  modulations  and  tones,  which  we  hear  in  the  bet- 
ter circles  of  London.  Yet  they  have  fewer  idioms  and 
provincialisms  than  an  Englishman  has  any  conception 
of :  which  is  the  result  of  their  accented  school  books, 
hi  Canada  we  find  all  the  dialects  of  England  in  full 
force.  There  is  not  the  same  system  of  teaching  as 
in  the  States,  nor  the  same  extent  of  travelling.  Yet 
1  think  ii  quite  probable,  that  the  Canadians  will  event- 
ually lose  the  different  dialects,  in  the  same  manner  as 
is  felt  in  America,  and,  perhaps,  by  similar  means. 

I  heard  persons  in  America  and  Canada  frequently 
expressing  how  comfortable  they  were,  when  the  appear- 
ance of  things  around  them  would  not  warrant  the  same 
conclusion  in  a  stranger.  Yet  I  am  quite  sure  they  were 
so.  Mrs.  F.  felt  uncomfortable,  and  so  frequently  and 
loudly  complained,  that  I  often  participated  in  her  feel- 
ings, when  otherwise  I  should  have  experienced  the  re- 
verse. The  word  comfort  should  be  understood  in  its 
relative  signification.     We  must  consider  it  as  the  trui^ 


196 


CANADA. 


i'i.  i 


1    i 


4 

it 


;  t 


1  '  .    ft^ 


,  I    ! ' 


tion  of  every  thini^  necessary  to  our  position  in  sociery. 
and  our  ac(|uired  liabils.  Considering  the  phrase  in  thi> 
light,  comfort  cannot  mean  the  same  tliinu  in  nil 
countries.  In  point  of  fact  it  does  not.  Proljahly  a 
Laplander  and  a  Hottentot  would  feel  more  uncomfortii 
hie,  if  placed  in  elegant  apartments  in  London,  than  ;t 
Londoner  would  feel  if  transported  to  their  filthy  dwell 


ings. 


'  IM 


1  perceived  that  a  sudden  transition  from  theindnl2"eii 
cies  and  luxuries  of  civilized  life  was  olVensive  to  thf 
feelings  of  most  people,  and  that  a  roady  acquiesencc  ii; 
the  change   was  not  to  be   expected.     Elegancies  nnd 
social  pleasures,  when  wanting,  seemed  to  haunt  the  im 
agination,  and  embitter  a  condition  wdiich  might  otlioi 
wise  have  been  fraught  with  enjoyment.     I  confess  tlinr 
the  want  of  these  things  did  not  troul)le  me  nnich.  but  I 
was  not  at  liberty  to  ado})t  my  own  plans. 

[  looked  around  me,  and  saw  that  I  was  better  lodgtiil 
fed,  and  clothed,  th-ui  many  others  ;  that  was  comlon 
I  found  myself  sulliciently  respected  among  those  wiio»( 
respect  was  desiraljle  or  gratifying  ;  that  was  comfort.    I 
found  my  church  well  attended,  and  increasing  in  nuiii- 
l)erB  daily  ;  tliat  was  comfort,  and  even  something  moiv 
[  found,  when  I  declared  my  unwillingness  to  stay,  ud- 
less  I  were  made  equal  to  other  missionaries,  an  imniedi 
ate  offer  from  one  individual  of  fifty  pounds  annually 
and  of  a   subscription  from  the  parish  of  perhaps  an 
equal  amount ;  that  surely  was  comfort.     I  found  on 
every  occasion,  in  which  I  was  recjuested  to  perform  any 
extra  duty,  that  those  more  immediately  concerned  strovt. 
in  all  things  to  consult  and  even  aniiciijate  my  wislie 
and  convenience,  and  preferred  pecuniary  recompense 
and  expressed  their  feeUngs   of  obligation  in  terms  im 
possible  to  be  counterfeit :  that  was  comfort  in  an  exalted 
sense.     I  found  it  possible  to  have  established  a  school 
of  great  respectability,  from  which  a  handsome  inconn. 
would   have  been   derived,  and   some   were  ready  to 
place  their  sons  with  me  ;  this  was  most  comfortable,  and 
flattering  to   my  testimonials   as   a  teacher.     1  found 


COMFORT. 


197 


>!«ition  in  socic-fv. 
the  plirase  in  ihb 
no  thinu  in  nil 
lOt.  Prolj.ibly  ;i 
nore  iinconifortii 
London,  ihan  n 
hew  filthy  dwell 

'o\n  the  indnlfft'ti 
oflensive  to  ilif 

;ly  acfjuiesence  ii; 
Eleg^ancici--  onil 

I  to  haunt  the  im 
lich  miirht  otlior 
L.  I  confess  tliii! 
}■  me  much,  but  1 

vas  better  lodiretl 

hat  was  coniton 

nong:  tliose  who.>* 

t  wasconilbit.    I 

crcasiuir  iu  nuiii- 

aomething-  moio 

rness  to  stay,  uii- 

iries.  an  imtnedi 

wunds  annuallv 

II  of  perhaps  an 
It.  I  found  oil 
I  to  perform  any 
concerned  strovi 
ipate  my  \\kh(^^ 
ary  recompen^^c 
n  in  terms  im 
rt  in  an  exalted 
blished  a  scliot^i 
bdsome  inconx. 

w^ere  ready  lo 
omfortable,  and 
cher.     1  found 


numbers  of  those  around  me  sincerely  religious,  constant 
and  devout  in  their  attendance  at  church,  and  thirsting 
for  spiritual  knowledge  and  edification  ;  and  will  leave  it 
for  others  to  idealize,  for  I  cannot  express  that  source  of 
comfort. 

There  were  some  things  hov/ever  which  I  did  not 
consider  sufficiently  palateable,  as,  our  lodgings  and  fur- 
niture, the  difficulty  of  procuring  some  articles,  and  the 
exorbitant  price  of  others  ;  the  envy  and  ill-will  expressed 
and  exercised  by  some  I  spoke  to,  against  our  church, 
and  against  the  salary  enjoyed  by  its  ministers.  Yet 
iliese  unpalatable  circumstances  may  more  justly  be  re- 
ferred to  our  neglect  of  proper  exertions  and  inquiries, 
and  to  the  want  of  adapting  ourselves  to  our  new  situa- 
tion. 

I  frankly  acknowledge  that  I  had  no  just  cause  of 
complaint.  For  although  I  sometimes  fancied  that  there 
A'ere  some  whose  kindness  was  fictitious,  and  based  in 
selfish  motives,  yet  in  the  calmness  of  reflection  I  cannot 
lay  this  to  their  charge.  I  experienced  great  and  gene- 
ral hospitality,  attention  and  respect,  where  nothing  could 
lie  looked  for  in  return  ;  and  must  admit,  that  the'kind- 
uess  I  enjoyed  was  far  beyond  my  merits.  It  is  my  per- 
vasion, that  no  clergyman,  if  at  all  what  he  ought  be, 
will,  on  entering  Canada,  meet  with  a  less  generous 
eception  and  cordial  welcome. 


R' 


I 


ynTi  f 


liH 


19S 


tA>A0,(. 


!■>■ 


!! 


i\\l' 


(    '• 


i  I 


I,  - 


(JHAPTEI?  V. 

Linij^ralion — Farming — Forest  Trees — Fertility  of  Canada— h- 
inuucemiiiil  I'or  Anu-rican  ]>eniucrals — Liberality  of  (lovu-u- 
moiit — Canada  httttr  i'or  Englishmen  than  tin  linitod  SluU'-— 
Distress  of  LniiprantP — Aclvantagcs  of  Finieration — \Vlio  ourht 
-I'ric^  of  Lai)our — Eniiurants'  fondness  for  C'anadn. 


not  to  go- 


VViiKN  I  lirst  waitetl  on  tlie  arciiflcacoii,  he  inl<.>rin('(! 
me  that  ltU),(M)0  enii^rants  were  exjtcctcdiu  tlie  couisi 
ut'  the  .suniiiKM'.  if  I  rcincinbcr  riulitiv,  the  jrovenic:' 
also  L'XjdL'ssed  a  similar  expectation.  In  consequoiKi' 
ot'  the  cholera,  a  uiueh  smaller  number  arrived  iliun 
was  antici})atcd — about  ()0,0()().  During  the  two  ',r 
three  last  seasons  a,  diflcrent  elass  ol"  emigrants  have 
settled  in  Canada  trom  what  had  gone  out  in  previous 
years.  Many  (A  these  were  either  wealthy  tarniciN 
or  merchants  and  traders,  with  large  capital.  Sevenii 
clergymen  and  medical  gentlemen  were  also  amons:  thi' 
number.  With  lour  of  these  1  was  personally  acquaint- 
ed, and  can  speak  trom  experience  ot"  their  lindin^-  em- 
ployment and  encouragement.  A  gentleman  who  should 
^o  out  with  the  intention  of  embarking  all  his  capital  in 
larming,  would  n<)t.  from  what  I  could  learn,  be  so  likelv 
to  do  well  as  by  putting  his  money  into  the  bank  in 
York,  for  which  he  would  draw  from  eight  to  twelve 
per  cent,  annaally. 

Some  informed  me,  that  unless  a  farmer  can  take  an 
active  part  himself,  his  money  will  be  uselessly  squan- 
dered, without  producing  to  himself  or  others  any  bene- 
ficial consequences.  •'  He  will  find  it  extremely  diffi- 
cult," said  they,  *'  to  obtain  persons  competent  to  super- 
intend his  farm  so  trust-worthv  as  he  might  find  in  En- 
gland,  and  will  consequently  injure  himself."  To  this 
statement,  however,  I  will  oppose  that  of  Wm.  Cruik- 
«*i««iks,  Esq.,  who  possesses  two  estates  on  Yonge  Street, 


FAKMINC 


199 


ty  of  Canada— li- 
icralily  of  GovL'vn- 
tlii  Ituitod  Stall'-— 
ratiftn — ^VIlo  ou!.!it 
ondnt'ss  for  C'unaiia. 

con,  ho  inf<.»riiu'(i 
trdin  the  ciouth 
;ly,  the  (fowiuc; 
In  conseqiu'iir'' 
)cr  arrived  lh;in 
ring  the  i\\>>  "r 
f  emigrants  iiavr 
D  out  in  previous 
Acahhy  fanners. 
capital.     Sevcnil 
•e  also  among  the 
|.sonally  accjuaint- 
heir  iindin^-  em- 
man  who  should 
all  his  capital  in 
arn,  be  so  likely 
nto  the  bank  in 
eight  to  twelve 

liier  can  take  an 
juselessly  squan- 
)thcrs  any  bene- 
extremdy  diffi- 
ipetent  to  super- 
light  find  in  En- 
liself."  To  this 
lot"  Wm.  Cruik- 
In  Yonge  Street, 


upon  one  of  which  he  resides,  and  manaires  the  other  by 
ii  hailitl'.  He  dei'lared  to  me,  that  t"r<»m  the  latter  es- 
tate, ol' which  about  110  acres  arc  cleared,  i»e  netted,  in 
the  precediuL'  \'car.  <»n(.'  hundred  and  titty  pounds,  al"t<  r 
paying  all  cxjicnscs. 

The  only  thinL'  during'  ^>ur  Canadian  residence  with 
uliich  iM  IS.  r.  scfincd  to  \>r  aniiiscd.  was  the  tivquent 
visits  wliich  the  cows  and  sheep  n\  our  landlady  made 
into  the  forests  and  pastures  ul  other  peo]»lc,  and  wliich 
her  neiiihbors  c(,i\\>an(l  sheei)  made  into  hers.  Almost 
I'very  week  the  landlady  mounled  her  pony,  and  rode 
into  th(^  t"orest<  in  (piest  of  jier  live  stock.  Sojuetimes 
she  continued  seeking  them  for  two  or  tin'ce  days  to- 
L'Cther,  belore  she  lound  them.  It  occasionally  happen- 
ed, in  conse([i!ence,  that  we  ))asscd  a  day  without  eri-am 
to  r>ur  tea.  This  wandering  ot"  her  cows  and  sheep  arose 
tVom  ne'/!e('t  in  travellers  or  neigjibours.  These,  in 
l)assing  throUL'h  lier  groves,  omitted  Iretjuentiy  to  re- 
place tjio  rails  ol'  )ier  t(.nices,  and  her  cattle,  cVic,  Ibnnd 
their  wav  throuuh  the  openini:.  There  are  in  Canada, 
ns  in  tJie  States,  few  fences  of  h^ione  or  eartli — scarcely 
any  tliinir  but  loose  rails  are  used  ft»r  fcnciniz. 

Whether  gregarious  animals  have  any  instinct  which 
induces  them  to  reciprocate  ihe  visits  of  other  cattle,  I 
will  not  take  u])on  me  to  decide,  but  of  this  1  am  certain, 
that  the  cattle  and  sheep  of  others  were  as  fretiuently  in 
our  landlady's  grounds,  as  hers  were  in  those  of  others. 
And  this  did  not  happen  peculiarly  to  one  person,  but 
was  a  common  occurrence  to  all  iarmers  in  the  coun- 
try. This  reciprocated  intercourse  of  cattle  brought  t 
my  recollection  an  incident  which  happened  to  us  on 
our  first  commencement  of  house-keeping.  The  lady 
who  had  occupied  die  same  dwelling  antecedent  to  our- 
selves, had  left  a  cat  on  the  premises,  which  must  have 
been  famished  during  the  nine  months  the  house  w'as 
empty,  unless  it  had  lound  a  hospitable  welcome  among 
its  kindred  of  the  neighbourhood.  The  moment  it  per- 
ceived the  house  to  be  retenantcd,  it  returned,  and  such 
numbers  of  cats  followed  it  into  our  kitchen  and  pantry, 
that  nothing  eatable  could  be  left  open  for  a  moment 


o 


//'' 


^f 


!| 


J 


V 


fMl 


■I  -i 


J.     1  I 


200 


CANADA. 


without  bcin^  discovered  by  them  and  carried  off.  It 
is  most  probable  that  this  congregation  of  cats  on  the 
premises  was  nothing  more  or  less  than  the  repayment 
of  friendship.  So  the  cattle  of  Canada  frequently  ex- 
change mutual  visits,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  their 
owners.  They  are  as  little  ceremonious  in  this  rcs|)ect 
as  American  servants. 

When  milch  cows  stray  from  home,  it  must  be  inju- 
rious to  themselves  as  well  as  to  their  masters.  Not 
only  do  they  give  less  milk,  but  also  their  udders,  from 
too  h)ng  distension,  are  liable  to  inflame.  My  father 
had  a  cow  which  could  draw  her  own  milk.  She  was 
no  doubt  delighted  with  the  flavour  of  it,  for  she  prac- 
tised the  sucking  of  herself  every  day.  She  gn.w 
(juitc  plump,  and  was  a  subject  of  wonder,  at  the  small 
(luantity  of  milk  she  yielded,  and  at  her  sleek  appear- 
ance. She  was  detected  one  day  in  the  very  act,  alter 
which  a  wood  collar  was  suspended  round  her  neck, 
which  prevented  her  continuing  it.  She  afterwards 
gave  more  milk,  but  decreased  in  fiitness.  Such  cows 
are  best  fitted  for  Canadian  pastures,  when  disposed  to 
take  holiday  in  the  woods.  It  is  customary  to  give  salt 
to  shoep  and  cattle,  and  indeed  to  every  domesticated 
animal.  Our  landlady  sprinkled  a  few  handfulls,  three 
or  four  times  a  week,  for  her  sheep,  upon  some  wood. 
which  they  almost  regularly  came  for,  when  not  on  a 
sylvan  tour.  Animals,  in  that  countiy,  would  not  thrive 
without  it.  The  air  is  too  fresh  and  arid,  and  too  far 
from  the  ocean. 

Horses  are  not,  at  first,  of  much  use  to  settlers,  except 
for  riding,  as  they  cannot  be  safely  used  among  the 
stumps  of  trees.  Being  quicker  in  their  movements 
than  oxen,  and  not  so  steady  or  tractable,  they  are  less 
adapted  to  the  exigencies  of  Canadian  husbandry.  Af- 
ter the  stumps  have  entirely  decayed,  which  takes  place 
in  from  six  to  ten  years,  except  wheit3  pines  have  stood, 
horses  can  bo  used  with  the  san^p  advantages  as  in 
other  countries.  The  price  of  a  good  horse,  is  from 
twelve  to  twenty  pounds  sterling ;  of  a  yoke  of  oxen, 
from  twelve  to  fifteen ;  of  a  cow,  from  two  to  four  ;  of 


carried  off.  It 
of  cats  on  the 
I  the  repayment 
a  frequently  ex- 
loyance  of  their 
13  in  this  rcs})ect 

it  must  be  inju- 
•  masters.  Not 
cir  udders,  frotn 
ne.  My  father 
milk.  She  was 
it,  for  she  prao 
ay.  She  grew 
ler,  at  the  small 
3r  sleek  apjx'ar- 
3  very  act,  alter 
round  her  neck. 
8hc  afterwards 

3S.       Such    COWs 

[hen  disposed  to 
lary  to  give  salt 
domesticated 

landfalls,  three 
)on  some  wood. 

when  not  on  a 
vould  not  tiirive 
rid,  and  too  far 

settlers,  except 
ed  among  the 
ir  movements 
,  they  are  less 
isbandry.  Af- 
ich  takes  place 
les  have  stood, 
^'antages  as  in 
horse,  is  from 
yoke  of  oxen, 
^0  to  four  ;  of 


FABJfliNG. 


201 


3  full  crrown  fat  \\o^,  one  pound.  In  winter.  I  was  told, 
i'(X)d  beef,  venison,  &c.,  can  be  purchased  at  two  pence 
[)Cr  lij.  In  summer  no  venison  can  be  obtained,  and 
iilher  kinds  of  meat  is  from  three  p<.'nce  to  four  |x;nce 
p<?r  lb.  Fish  W[is  very  cheap  and  gf»od  : — a  larL'o  sal- 
mon fur  a  shiilin,'  Enirlish  ;  and  sixteen  white  lish,  each 
wci^diing  from  one  to  three  pounds,  I'ura  dollar. 

Many  of  die  horses  used  in  Canada  are  iin))orted  from 
the  States.  The  old  (.'anadinn  horse  is  of  a  smaller 
lirced,  and  although  well  ada))ted  Xv  the  f<)r(>sts,  yet  not 
>(»  strong,  nor  so  calculated  lor  a  cleared  faiin.  The 
breed  of  both  horses  and  cows  is  grcatly  im])ro\ing  in 
that  country,  by  intermixture.  Dani:ers,  and  fre(iuent 
exposures  to  fatal  accidents,  jippear  to  quicken  the  in- 
stinct of  animals,  as  well  as  the  invention  of  man.  Se- 
veral farmers  infe-rmcii  me,  that  at  the  approa<-h  *A'  a 
tliunder  storm,  and  during  violent  gusts  o\'  wind,  all  cat- 
t;c  remove  from  that  part  of  a  pasture  where  many  trees 
arc  standing,  to  that  sj)ot  most  unencumbered  with  diem. 
They  are.  theref<)ro,  sensible  of  danger  from  girdled 
pines.  Yet  notwithstanding  this  natural  instinct,  it  fre- 
quently happens  that  animals  are  killed  by  trees  uprooted 
or  snapped  asunder  l)y  wind.  S(jmetimes  a  tree,  from 
radical  decay,  comes  to  the  ground  without  any  ap})arent 
external  acrencv,  and  crushes  whatever  is  in  its  wav.  A 
neighbouring  farmer  tf>ld  me,  that  he  was  once  stand- 
inu  in  a  field  near  his  house,  and  a  beautilul  horse  bv 
'is  side,  for  which,  in  the  previous  week,  he  had  retused 
a  hundred  dollars,  when  a  tree  suddenly  fell  upon  the 
hack  of  the  horse  and  struck  it  instantaneously  dead. 
This  occurred  when  there  was  not  a  Ijreath  of  air.  The 
falling  trees  are  most  frequent  in  spring.  The  long  frost 
and  the  succeeding  thraw  loosens  the  ground,  even  to 
the  veiy  roots.  The  trees  have  not  so  deep  a  root  in  the 
forests  as  in  more  open  places,  and  are  so  continually 
thrown  down,  that  no  person  can  flatter  himself  with 
being  able  to  pass  along  the  same  track  tw'o  successive 
days,  without  encoumering  fresh  obstructions  from  such 
contingencies.  ^ 

The  whole  surface  of  Upper  Canada  is  laid  out  in 


'        I; 


!if  wm 


»  i 


202 


CANADA. 


i 


^v:  >• 


,    .    !rt    i 


nir , 


,.  !     I  - 


lots  of  equal  divisions,  and  on  a  uniform  plan.     Tlie*;^ 
country  is  intersected  throughout  by  roads  at  a  mile  I 
and  a  quarter  distance  from  each  other,  already  either^ 
formed  or  marked  out.     Parallel  roads,  at  that  distance, 
are  cut  at  right  angles  by  other  parallel  roads,  at  thr 
same  distance  from  each  other.     The  one  set  of  parallel 
roads  run  east  and  west,  the  other  run  north  and  soutli  j 
They  therefore  form  blocks  of  land,  perfectly  square. I 
containing  a  thousand  acres,  and  each  side  of  which  is^ 
a  mile  and  a  quarter  long.     The  block  is  next  divideii- 
into  five  faims,  of  two  hundred  acres  each,  being  a  quar- 
ter of  a  mile  broad,  and  a  mile  and  a  quarter  long,  mid 
abutting  upon  two  roads  ;  whilst  two  lots  out  of  every 
five  have  a  road  on  three  sides. 

The  value  of  land  in  Canada  is  increasing  regularly 
and  rapidly.  For  instance,  Yonge  Sti'cet  was  first  set- 
tled thirty-seven  years  ago.  At  that  time  land  on  it  \va4^ 
given  to  any  person  who  applied.  A  few  years  after,  ai 
lot  was  worth  from  fifty  to  a  hundred  dollars.  A  loti 
now  is  worth  from  one  to  two  thousand  pounds  on  man}"! 
parts  of  Yonge  Street.  In  the  beautitul  township  of  Oro| 
lately  settled,  land,  a  short  time  ago,  was  one  dollar  peil 
acre.  It  is  now  from  two  to  five,  and  increases  in  vaiuti 
from  half  a  dollar  to  a  dollar  every  year.  On  the  Hurois 
tract,  it  is  now  selling  at  from  one  to  two  dollars.  Emi* 
gration  is  setting  in  that  way,  and  the  probable  conse-, 
quence  will  be,  that  land  there,  in  two  or  three  yearsr 
will  be  double  that  sum.  Land  has  generally  been  fouii;! 
to  double  itself  every  thrce  or  four  years.  A  person  of 
capital,  possessing  prudence,  is  sure  to  improve  his  pe- 
cuniary condition  by  emigration.  He  makes  a  sacrifice 
of  the  refinements  of  a  highly  polished  life,  but  I  consider 
his  gain  as  much  more  than  an  equivalent. 

One  day,  when  dining  at  the  archdeacon's,  there  were 
present  the  chief  justice  of  York,  and  another  gentleman 
of  great  legal  eminence.  These  considered  the  value  of 
land  in  Canada  as  fictitious,  and  not  according  to  its  in- 
trinsic worth,  but  a  capricious  standard.  Yet  we  may 
justly  ask,  "  what  is  the  worth  of  any  thing,  but  as  much 
money  as  it  will  bring !"    In  the  towns  of  Kingston. 


i)iX)c 
Engl 
an 
II  Y 
iiind] 
and 
:i]  nc 
vir  w 
jasse 
ars  V 

No 
:ertili 
•rees. 
idmir 
•jarts, 
«iirfac 
iiiles 
uithoi 
:he  fo] 
I'iaces 
«ixty  i 
:enerf 
lor  the 
.iiform 
md  fi: 
reason 
linibei 
l.'onsei 
iiecess 
urevei 

In 
Kmh 

O 

ind  ai 
walki) 
initted 
oeams 
tempi: 
astoni 
are  fo 
over 


FOREST    TRr.F:S. 


203 


brm  plan.  The; 
roads  at  a  milc| 
;r.  alieady  eitherf 
,  at  that  distance,! 
illel  roads,  at  thfl 
Diie  set  of  parallel  I 
:  nortli  and  southi 
perfectly  square. I 
side  of  which  isi 
k  is  next  divideii^ 
ich,  being  a  quar- ,. 
quarter  long,  ninl'c 
lots  out  of  every  : 

reasing  regular!}- 
I'cet  was  first  set- 
me  land  on  it  \\-[\^ 
few  years  after,  i 
d  dollars.     A  lot^ 
I  pounds  on  man}*! 
I  township  of  Oro| 
;as  one  dollar  pe!^> 
ncrrases  in  valuGf 
ir.  OntheHuroir 
o  dollars.     Emi- 
probable  conse- 
o  or  three  years, 
icrally  been  foutxl 
■s.     A  person  of 
improve  his  pe- 
iTiakes  a  sacrifice 
b,  but  I  consider 
3nt. 

con's,  there  were 
lother  gentlemai\ 
ered  the  value  of 
cording  to  its  in- 
1.  Yet  we  may 
ing,  but  as  much 
ns  of  Kingston. 


Di-ockville,  &c.,  it  is  almost  as  hii.'h  as  in  many  parts  of 
jiigland ;  whilst  at  a  small  distance  from  these  towns,  it 
an  be  purchased,  equally  good,  at  two  or  three  dollars. 
n  York  town  an  acre  is  sometimes  wortli  ten  or  twelve 
hundred  pounds.  A  little  removed  from  this,  uncleared 
iiid  is  worth  six  or  c  ight  dollars,  and  a  tew  miles  farther 
d',  not  perhaps  above  two.  If  rail-roads  be  formed,  plans 
n'  which  have  been  laid  before  the  legislature,  and  acts 
lassed  to  legalise  them,  the  land  now  selling  at  two  dol- 
ars  would  soon  be  worth  ten  pounds. 

Nothing  can  furnish  a  finer  proof  of  the  strength  and 
ertility  of  the  soil,  than  the  number  and  largeness  of  the 
rees.  They  are  magnificent,  and  afford  a  subject  of 
idmiration.  These  trees  stand  so  close  together  in  many 
mrts,  as  to  prevent  any  brushwood  from  appearing.  The 
iirface  is  beautifully  open,  and  a  person  may  walk  for 
iiiles  up  and  down,  in  the  very  heart  of  the  woods, 
ivithout  other  obstruction  than  the  mouldering  giants  of 
;he  forest,  which  lie  prostrate  on  the  ground.  In  most 
■jjaccs,  no  boughs  branch  ofT  from  the  trees  till  forty  or 
>ixty  feet  from  the  ground.  The  trunk  is  perfectly  free, 
:enerally,  from  such  excrescences.  No  room  being  left 
lor  them  to  spread,  such  redundancy  is  hindered.  Twas 
nformed,  that  the  timber  of  forest  trees  is  not  so  close 
md  firm,  as  of  trees  which  have  been  planted.  The 
reason  assigned  was,  that  to  tlie  formation  of  the  finest 
iinber  the  free  admission  of  sun  and  air  is  necessary. 
Consequently  the  density  of  fo-est  shades,  excluding  the 
necessary  influence  of  solar  and  atmospheric  agency, 
prevent  the  requisite  co-incidents. 

In  grounds  which  have  been  planted,  the  trees  are 
regularly  so  thinned,  as  to  afford  free  admission  to  sun 
111(1  air.  I  have  often  been  delighted,  on  a  hot  day,  after 
walking  through  cleared  grounds,  at  being  suddenly  ad- 
mitted into  umbriferous  retreats  where  noon-day  sun- 
Deams  never  enter.  The  mind  has  full  scope  for  con- 
templation in  these  fields  of  nature,  and  finds  sources  of 
astonishment  in  her  productions.  Some  of  the  fallen  trees 
are  four  feet  in  diameter ;  and  where  they  are  extended 
over  ground  with  a  few  inequalities,  they  form  fences 


(ii 


it  ' 


^'Iih; 


^•■ 


:t    ': 


I     I 


I  ,  I 


I  t 


t;  >  ■., 


i  'M' 


204 


CANADA. 


which  a  man  can  pass  neither  under  nor  over.  The 
tops  of  the  trees  are  often  bushy,  and  form  a  lofty  cano- 
py to  the  traveller  beneath.  ' 
I  do  not  wonder,  that  poets  in  every  age  have  sighed' 
for  groves  and  secluded  forests,  where  their  ardent  and* 
wild  imaginations  might  roam  for  images.  It  is  impos-« 
sible  to  have  tasted  the  solace,  the  calm  tranquillity,  ih«' 
lofty  inspirations  they  supply  without  feeling  that  scenes! 
like  these  are  the  genuine  birth-place  of  poetic  raptuie>. 
Yet  so  frequently  scattered  up  and  down  in  the  wnods? 
are  the  huts  of  emigrants,  that  it  would  now  be  difficult 
for  a  poet  to  realize  the  aspiration  of  Cowper,  at  least  m 
Canada : — 

"O  for  a  lodge  in  somn  vast  wilderness,  some  boundless  contiLni- 
ily  of  shade,  where  rumour  of  oppression  and  deceit,  of  unsuccossi'ii 
or  successful  war,  might  never  reacli  me  niore/' 

In  addition  to  the  numerous  settlements  and  clear- 
ances, which  serve  as  loop-holes  lor  iEolus  and  Pha'bib^ 
and  as  gardens  for  the  happy  emigrants  within,  a  poet, 
would  have  found,  last  year  ut  least,  the  harsh  dissonance; 
of  cholera  reports,  of  execrations  of  plundered  English- 
men flocking  from  the  States,  and  of  the  heart-rending; 
shrieks  of  helpless  Indians,  whom  American  duplicity 
had  robbed  of  their  heritage,  and  driven  from  tlieir 
homes. 

So  fertile  is  tlie  soil  of  Canada,  at  its  first  cultivation 
after  clearing,  that  an  acre,  upon  which  no  more  than  one 
bushel  is  sown,  will  produce  almost  always  between 
thirty  and  forty  bushels.  The  first  crop,  with  proper 
management,  generally  repays  the  purchase-money,  the 
expense  of  clearing  and  fencing,  the  cost  of  seed,  sowing, 
and  harrowing,  and  the  ezpense  of  reaping,  thrashing,  and 
carrying  to  the  mill.  In  short,  a  prudent  and  industri- 
ous farmer  may  always  calculate  on  being  able  to  call 
the  land  he  clears  his  own,  by  the  first  crop  alone.  The 
second  crop  is  generally  hay,  which  is  reckoned  worth 
from  eight  to  ten  dollars  per  acre.  This  is  obtained 
without  any  other  expense  than  that  incurred  by  mow- 


ing 
ma 

clin 
cutt 
his 
rcn( 

only 
to  n 
witn 
of^ 
the 
resic 
subjc 
nam 
and  I 
2:0  ii 
hatin 
State 
ofcit 
is  im 
unfre 
posse 
propi 
If  su 
land 
State 
and  e 
distui 
lican; 
same 
It; 
too  li 

to   C3i 

ought 
jure  e 
stabil 
upon 
its  ini 
late  J 


r  nor  over.     The 
orm  a  lofty  cano- 

t 

i_ 

f  age  have  sighed^ 
their  ardent  ancll 
ges.  It  is  imposx 
Ti  tranquillity,  iho; 
eeling  that  scenesi 
)f  poetic  rapturcj'. 
•wn  in  the  wnod^ 
d  now  be  difficiiit 
owper,  at  lea^t  in 


10  boundless  contiLni- 
leeeit,  of  unsuccpsstVi 


■ments  and  cleai- 

lolus  and  Pliabus^ 

Its  within,  a  poet 

!  harsh  dissonance: 

ndered  English- 

le  heart-renditii:; 

nerican  duplicity 

iven  from  tiieir 

is  first  cultivation 

no  more  tlian  one 

dways  between 

op,  with  propor 

chase-money,  the 

of  seed,  sowing, 
ig,  thrashing,  and 
nt  and  industri- 
leing  able  to  call 
rop  alone.    The 

reckoned  worth 
This  is  obtained 
curred  by  mow- 


LIBERALITY  OF  THE  GOVERNMENT. 


205 


ing  and  carting  to  the  hay-loft.  The  expense  of  hay- 
making in  Canada  is  very  trifling ;  the  fineness  of  the 
climate  renders  no  great  labour  necessary,  beyond  the 
cutting  of  the  grass.  If  a  farmer  has  a  family  to  work 
his  land,  three  or  four  years  of  labour  will  generally 
render  him  independent. 

The  fertility  of  Canada  is  a  powerful  inducement,  not 
only  for  Europeans,  but  for  Americans  also,  to  prefer  it 
to  many  parts  of  tlie  States.  No  year  passes  without 
witnessing  tiic  emigration  into  Cani^da  of  great  nuiiiljcrs 
ot  Yankees,  as  well  as  of  great  numbers  of  persons  from 
the  united  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  wiio  had 
resided  for  years  in  the  States.  It  was  often  to  uic  a 
subject  of  deep  rellection,  to  have  learned  that  large 
numbers  of  English  people  quit  their  country  in  disgust, 
and  swell  the  ranks  of  the  Americans,  whils'  Americims 
20  in  swarms  into  Canada,  preferring  its  richness,  yot 
hating  its  government.  The  oath  which  the  United 
States  impose  on  aliens,  before  they  can  enjoy  the  rights 
of  citizenship,  is  much  stricter  and  more  rigid  than  what 
is  imposed  on  emigrants  to  Canada.  Persons  are  not 
unfrequently  found,  who  being  citizens  of  the  States,  and 
possessing  projx^rty  therein,  go  into  Canada,  and  become 
proprietors  of  land  under  the  British  government  also. 
If  such  an  oath  were  administered  to  persons  holding 
land  in  the  British  territories,  as  is  administered  in  the 
States,  which  contains  an  abjuration  of  e^'ery  country 
and  every  government  but  their  own,  we  should  find  less 
disturbance  in  that  province.  It  is  impossible  for  Ame- 
ricans to  be  loyal  subjects  of  Great  Britain,  and  at  the 
same  time  republicans. 

It  appearead  to  me,  that  the  government  of  Canada  is 
too  liberal  in  this  respect.  It  ought  not  to  be  so  strict  as 
to  exclude  Americans  from  becoming  lovalists,  but  it 
ought  to  be  such  as  would  require  every  subject  to  ab- 
jure every  government  but  the  one  he  had  adt>pted.  The 
stability  of  the  present  administration  there  depends  more 
upon  some  such  regulation,  than  upon  any  enoi  ts  which 
its  internal  or  external  enemies  can  use  to  shake  it.  A 
late  American  eulogist,  who  scarcely  entered  Canada, 


m- 


10'  I 


il 


V. 


I   )■ 


■iif' 


''I 


■  i 


i 


I 


I     ? 


i' 


I" 

il.  i: 

4'  ^ 


I    ! 


^& 


1: 


r , 
11/ 

II: 


r 

t    ■ 

Ml 

II 

>     I 


S06 


CANADA. 


and  that  only  to  gratify  his  wish  to  obtain  favour  with 
tlic  Americans,  passes  a  condemnation  on  the  system 
pursued  by  our  colonial  administration,  as  too  illiberal, 
and  tlu'owing  too  many  obstructions  in  the  way  of  emi- 
grants  from  the  States.  I  cannot  see  how  an  oath  sinij. 
larly  framed  to  the  one  which  prevails  in  America  could 
be  illiberal.  America  prospers  by  such  an  oath,  and  se- 
cures a  population  devoted  to  her  interests ;  and  I  am  of 
opinion  that  the  same  results  would  accrue  to  Canada, 
from  a  similarity  of  acting.  If  an  American  chooses  to 
locate  on  the  fertile  soil  of  the  British  province,  let  hini 
become  in  earnest  a  Canadian,  and  he  will  not  object  to 
such  an  oath. 

Several  families,  whom  w^e  knew  in  New  York,  and 
who  complained  of  American  usage  to  Englishmen,  went 
up  into  Canada  last  sitring,  as  soon  as  tlie  canals  were 
open.  On  our  retiu'n,  we  called  on  some  of  their  rela- 
tions who  had  remained  in  New  Yt)rk,  and  found  that  let- 
ters had  been  received  from  Canada,  which  intimated 
that  those  wholiad  left  New  York  were,  even  in  so  short  u 
time,  in  a  grcarter  state  of  prosperity  than  they  had  en- 
joyed in  America.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  that  this 
occurred  even  in  the  immediate  sphere  of  cholera,  in  u. 
town  more  severely  visited  by  it  than  any  other.  This 
will  speak  for  the  superior  advantages  to  be  gained  by 
emigrating  to  Canada  than  to  the  States. 

If  many  Englishmen,  who  arc  divided  in  their  judg- 
ment respecting  what  country  to  adopt,  could  be  placed 
on  the  shores  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  hear  the  execrations 
of  scores  who  arrive  with  their  families  daily  from 
America  into  Canada,  after  having  lost  all  their  proper- 
ty ;  [ukI  then  could  hear  the  account  of  others,  who, 
alter  having  left  the  States  in  a  ruined  condition,  have 
entered  Canada  and  realized  a  handsome  independence, 
they  would  require  nothing  more  to  fix  their  choice. 
But  I  am  sorry  to  observe,  that  there  are  not  wanting 
those  who  will  prostitute  their  talents,  and  lend  their 
names,  to  promote  the  purposes  of  an  enemy.  Mr. 
Stuart,  for  one,  mentions  some  prairies  in  the  States  as 
more  desirable  to  emigrants  than  any  other.     I  take 


CiJVADA    BBIT    FOR    EXGLISH    EMIGRANTS. 


207 


tain  favour  with 

I  on  the  systerrr 
,  as  too  illiberal, 
the  way  of  emi- 
ow  an  oath  siiTii- 
n  America  could 
an  oath,  and  se- 
sts ;  and  I  am  of 
;crue  to  Canada, 
I'ican  chooses  to 
)rovince,  let  him 
will  not  object  to 

New  Yoi-k,  and 
Englishmen,  went 
;  the  canals  were 
me  of  their  rela- 
md  found  that  let- 
which  intimated 
,  even  in  so  short  a 
lan  thev  had  en- 

II  mind,  that  this 
of  cholera,  in  a 

my  other.     This 
to  be  gained  by 

3. 

ed  in  their  judg- 
could  be  placed 
'  the  execrations 
dies  daily  from 
all  their  propcr- 
of  others,  who, 

condition,  have 
le  independence, 
ix  their  choice, 
are  not  wamting 

and  lend  their 
n  enemy.  Mr. 
in  the  States  as 

other.     I  take 


upon  me  to  question  the  correctness  of  his  assertion,  and 
venture  to  affirm,  upon  the  testimony  of  every  English 
farmer  I  conversed  with  in  Canada,  that  there  is  not  one 
industrious  farmer  in  Canada  whose  prosperity  is  n(>t 
ji'eatcr,  from  the  same  labour  and  capital,  than  those 
prairie-farmers  of  whom  Mr.  Stuart  speaks.  It  is  also 
my  belief,  that,  should  twenty-five  farmers  enter  Canada, 
and  the  same  number  enter  the  lands  he  prais(\s,  at  the 
same  time,  with  the  same  capital,  and  the  same  industry, 
twenty-four  out  of  the  twenty-five  Canadian  emigrants 
would  be  in  a  more  prosperous  condition,  in  the  cours(3 
of  five  years,  than  any  one  of  the  other;  und  also  that 
twenty  out  of  the  twenty-five  American  emigrants 
would  repent  of  their  choice,  and,  should  they  have 
opportunity  of  com})aring  their  state  with  the  more 
favourable  condition  of  tlie  other,  would  lament  their 
credulity  in  his  statement,  and  deplore  the  day  on  wlii(!h 
they  read  his  book. 

Every  poor  emigrant  is  allowed  fifty  acres  from  Go 
vcrnmont,  upoii  such  easy  terms  as  are  available  to 
all.  In  fact,  the  liberality  of  Government  is  juoverbial 
in  respect  to  settlers  uj)on  land.  If  any  person  chof^ses 
to  rent  a  lot  of  land  for  a  term  of  vears,  he  will  alwavs 
have  the  option  of  renewing  his  lease,  or  of  purtdiasing 
the  estate,  in  prefcience  to  a  stranger.  Government 
never  takes  advantage  of  the  improvements  which  such 
fanner  may  have  made,  without  awarding  a  rcL'om- 
pense ;  and,  as  the  lands  so  improved  are  always  ollered 
to  the  improver  at  an  undeviating  mode  of  estimate,  he 
is  liable  to  no  imposition.  The  good  faith  of  g(j\ern- 
ment  has  never  been  violated  or  disputed,  and  is  relied 
upon  with  the  m<jst  unbounded  confidence. 

Yet  it  sometimes  happens,  wdien  persons  without 
capital  take  such  leases,  or  receive  grants  from  Govern- 
ment, situated  at  a  distance  from  former  settlements, 
and  having  no  immediate  neighbour  lor  whom  they  can 
labour,  and  thus  earn  something,  that  they  suffer  con- 
siderable distress.  Government,  although  most  liberal 
in  its  dealings,  does  not  furnisli  provisions  or  imple- 
jne  nts ;  these  the  settler  must  procure  for  himself.     If 


I  .    I, 


Jl 


<l! 


If 


:ii: 

i^ 


.' 


•  •ill] 

r 


:  Ui. 


I      i    ' 


.1  ii 


t 


'  i 


m 


I  < 


i 


5  .1 


•  t- 


'  I 


■J      ^ 


*■    il 


209 


CANADA. 


he  be  entirely  destitute,  and  yet  cannot  find  employment 
near  his  own  farm,  he  must  be  badly  circumstanced. 

Some  women,  from  a  back  settlement,  on  their  way 
to  the  Government  office,  called  on  us  at  Thornhill,  and 
detailed  the  sufferings  they  had  undergone  from  this 
circumstance.  I  occasionally  met  with  wanderers  on 
the  road  craving  charity ;  but  they  were,  in  general, 
only  just  arrived  from  Europe.  Industrious  people,  bo 
they  ever  so  poor,  are  soon  raised  above  the  necessity 
of  aid.  The  Americans  boast  that  they  have  no  beggars 
in  their  country ;  but  it  is,  like  all  their  boasts,  unsub- 
standal  and  incorrect.  Mrs.  F.,  as  w^ll  as  myself,  re- 
lieved several  importunate  beggars  in  New- York.  I 
mentioned  this  to  Americans,  who  declared  they  must 
be  English  people.  We  were  induced  to  believe,  from 
what  we  saw  and  heard,  that  pecuniary  distress,  as  I 
have  before  observed,  was  as  severe  in  New- York 
during  the  time  we  were  there,  and  felt  by  as  great 
numbers  in  proportion  to  the  population,  as  in  London. 
The  numbers  in  England  appear  to  be  greater,  because 
many  there  betake  themselves  to  mendicity  as  a  calling, 
who  could  actually  subsist  without  it.  Whereas  in 
America,  its  unfrequency  is  a  source  of  shame  to  any 
beggar  ;  and  no  person  craves  assistance  who  can  pos- 
sibly live  without  it.  In  Canada,  as  I  have  already  sta- 
ted, assistance  was  occasionally  solicited,  but  it  was  in- 
variably by  those  who  had  not  been  long  enough  there 
to  establish  themselves. 

Some  of  the  advantages  which  emigrants  of  a  lower 
order  derive  from  change  of  country,  is  the  compara- 
tive ease  of  mind  which  they  possess.  They  are  not 
tantalized  by  the  presence  of  luxury  from  which  they 
are  excluded  ;  and  find  that  labour  is  a  capital  which 
yields  them  numerous  and  daily  increasing  comfort. 
They  cannot  indeed  obtain,  nor  can  they  reasonably 
look  for,  sudden  wealth.  There  is  no  region  in  the 
world,  however  fertile  or  well  governed,  which  oflfers 
this  to  the  generality  of  settlers  ;  but  they  are  soon 
raised  above  indigence.  They  see  their  flocks  and 
herds  yearly  increasing.     They  behold  their  families 


ADVA.NTA,OBI    OF    SMIORATION. 


209 


find  employment 
rcumstanced. 
nt,  on  their  way 
It  Thornhill,  and 
rgone  from  this 
h  wanderers  on 
/ere,  in  general, 
trious  people,  bo 
ve  the  necessity 
have  no  beggars 
r  boasts,  unsub- 
11  as  myself,  re- 
i  New- York.  I 
lared  they  must 
to  believe,  from 
ry  distress,  as  I 
'  in  New- York 
felt  by  as  gre^it 
n,  as  in  London, 
greater,  because 
city  as  a  calling, 
Whereas  in 
)f  shame  to  any 
ce  who  can  pos- 
ave  already  sta- 
but  it  was  in- 
Iff  enough  there 

ants  of  a  lower 
s  the  compara- 

They  are  not 
om  which  they 

capital  which 

sing  comfort, 
ley  reasonably 

region  in  the 
d,  which  offers 
they  are  soon 
eir  flocks  and 

their  families 


and  houses  supplied  with  more  conveniences  every  tlay, 
and  better  furnished.  They  are  not  excluded,  even  at 
first,  from  the  rights  of  citizenship,  as  in  the  States  ; 
nor  from  possessing  real  profxjrty,  which  immediately 
confers  every  political  advantage,  and  which  in  must 
places  can  be  cheaply  purchased.  They  find  most  of 
tlie  necessaries  of  life  easily  procurable,  and  some  of 
die  luxuries  much  more  reasonable  than  at  home,  irom 
absence  of  heavy  duties.  Thcv  look  forward  to  aije  and 
sickness  without  any  apprehension  of  want,  or  rather 
with  the  absolute  certainty  of  not  being  destitute  when 
these  arriv'e.  They  find  that  their  children  are  more 
easily  provided  for  than  in  England,  and  will  fill  a 
higher  place  in  the  grades  of  society.  Indeod,  1  was 
told  by  most  of  those  I  spoke  with,  that  tlie  sons  of  fru- 
gal and  industrious  parents,  who  had  arrived  poor,  Were 
more  frequently  found  in  higher  situations  and  easy  cir- 
cumstances, than  of  others  who  appeared  to  eiiiigratu 
under  better  auspices,  but  destitute  of  these  p«n-s(>nal 
recommendations,  or  possessing  them  in  an  inferior  de- 
gree. But  there  is  one  circumstance  of  more  weight 
in  directing  men's  choice  in  emigrating  than  any  (jf  the 
above.  In  the  States,  they  are  among  a  ])coplo  of 
difl[erent  habits  and  different  sentiments  from  themselves, 
in  Canada  they  are  among  their  own  countrymen,  and 
find  kindred  sentiments  with  their  own,  and  a  fraternal 
welcome. 

Persons  of  idle  and  indolent  habits,  of  no  regular  trade 
or  business,  of  weak  or  delicate  constitutions,  of  waver- 
ing or  unstable  minds,  and  such  as  are  addicted  to 
intemperance,  or  unable  to  accommodate  thenisehes  to 
privations,  or  to  modes  of  living  and  exertion  diifering 
in  nature  and  degree  from  those  in  densely  populated 
countries,  ought  never  to  enter  Canada.  Nor  slK)uld 
f)ersons  go  who,  if  married,  cannot  take  with  them 
dutiful  and  obedient  wives,  disposed  like  themselves  to 
submit  to  temporary  difficulties  and  self-denial  tor  an 
ultimate  and  certain  benefit.  The  countrv  having  to  be 
cleared,  before  it  can  be  rendered  capable  of  }'iclding 
produce,  more  labour  is  imposed  at  first  upon  the  culti-. 


!* 


210 


CANADA. 


vators  that  in  an  old-settled  country.  Indeed,  where 
every  respectable  person  is  employed,  there  is  no  place 
for  idleness,  nor  for  men  disposed  to  practise  it.  They 
will  not  be  encouraged,  nor  succeed  in  any  way. 

I  have  heard  it  often  complained  of  that  labour  is 
higher  there  than  in  England.  I  doubt  this  extremely 
as  a  general  rule.  The  best  wages  arc,  for  a  husband- 
man, about  twelve  dollars  a  month ;  and  the  lowest 
about  eight  dollars.  A  good  servant  in  Cumberland 
would  generally  obtain  twenty-five  pounds  a  year  when 
times  are  good,  which  is  as  much  as  the  average  price 
of  labour  in  Canada.  Labour  is  higher  there  in  pro- 
portion to  the  price  of  produce.  A  bushel  of  wheat  is 
there  at  the  price  of  a  dollar,  but  in  England  at  two  or 
three  dollars,  and  other  kinds  of  produce  in  proportion. 
I  am  confident  that  not  only  the  farmer,  but  the  labourer 
also,  improves  his  condition  by  emigration.  A  careful 
labourer  may  save  as  much  as  will  purchase  him  six 
acres  of  land  every  month  in  the  back  settlements.  But 
I  conceive  that  masons,  painters,  carpenters,  blacksmiths, 
&c.  may  speedily  accumulate  property  if  they  arc  such 
as  can  be  relied  on.  Blacksmiths  frequently  earn  about 
two  dollars  a  day  for  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 

Almost  every  person  I  spoke  to  liked  the  country, 
who  had  passed  two  years  in  it.  They  told  me  that  at 
their  first  entrance  on  a  change  of  life  and  habits,  thoy 
felt  so  sensibly  the  want  of  their  accustomed  pleasures  as 
to  make  them  wish  themselves  in  their  native  country 
and  among  their  former  acquaintances  ;  but  this  feeling 
soon  wore  off  by  the  attraction  of  new  habits,  and  the 
formation  of  new  acquaintances.  They  discovered,  by 
degrees,  fresh  inlets  and  springs  of  pleasure.  I  must 
add,  that  I  did  not  meet  with  one  industrious  person,  a 
short  time  settled  in  the  country,  who  did  not  assure  me 
that  he  was  not  only  reconciled  to,  but  even  liked  it ;  and 
that  he  would  not  live  in  England,  even  if  any  gentle- 
man would  give  him  an  estate,  or  a  house  to  live  in. 
My  own  repugnance  to  our  mode  of  life  had,  before  I 
left  Canada,  merged  into  indifference ;  and  would  soon, 
probably,  had  I  availed  myself  of  the  means  in  my 


Uii  V 


Indeed,  where 

there  is  no  plfice 

actisc  it.     They 

any  way. 

)f  that  labour  is 

jt  this  extremely 

2,  for  a  husband- 

and  the  lowest 

in  Cumberland 

nds  a  vear  when 

le  average  price 

er  there  in  pro- 

ishcl  of  wheat  is 

iglond  at  two  or 

cc  in  proportion. 

but  the  labourer 

tion.     A  careful 

irchase  him  six 

ittlements.     But 

crs,  blacksmiths, 

if  they  are  such 

jntly  earn  about 

f  the  year. 

d  the  country, 

told  me  that  at 

md  habits,  they 

led  pleasures  as 

native  country 

but  this  feeling 

habits,  and  the 

discovered,  bv 

T  " 

lasure.  I  must 
rious  person,  a 

not  assure  me 
n  liked  it;  and 

if  any  gentle- 
3use  to  live  in. 
!  had,  before  I 
id  would  soon, 
means  in  my 


FARMIXG. 


211 


power  to  command  greater  comfort,  have  been  followed 
by  an  acquired  relish,  which  almost  nothing  could  have 
induced  me  to  abandon. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Farming — Gardens  and  Orchards — Cheap  Government — Badness 
of  roads — Price  of  various  articles — Fuel — Negroes — American 
improvement — A  machine — Canadian  Improvement — Thunder- 
Storni--Temperance  Societies — Cliaracter  of  Canadians — Cana- 
dian Houses- -Canada  Company — Emigration  ought  to  be  en- 
couraged. 

The  business  of  farming  i**  becoming  better  every 
year.  From  the  communications  opened  by  means  of 
canals,  produce  can  be  readily  exported  from  any  part 
of  Canada,  and  merchandize  imported  thither  at  a  tri- 
fling expense.  A  few  ycai  ^  ago  the  farmer  laboured 
under  great  disadvantages,  hu  was  obliged  to  dispose  of 
his  produce  to  storekeepers  for  about  one  half  of  the 
present  prices,  and  to  pay  twice  the  price  he  now  does 
for  shop  goods.  Times  are  evidently  altered  for  the 
better  to  them.  Every  farmer,  if  industrious,  becomes 
wealthy.  Store-keepers  are  also  much  better  circum- 
stanced than  foimcrly,  from  the  more  extensive  sale  and 
readier  payment  they  now  experience. 

The  mode  of  conducting  husbandry,  both  in  America 
and  Canada,  is  rapidly  improving.  It  is  beginning  to  be 
conducted  after  the  English  fashion,  as  far  as  husband- 
men can  aflford  to  do  so.  The  original  farmers  had  no 
conception  of  the  most  useful  and  profitable  systems. 
They  took  as  many  crops  as  possible  from  the  ground 
without  manuring  it.  I  observed  in  some  farm  yards, 
and  more  especially  in  our  landlady's,  an  immense  quan- 
tity of  manure,  which  had  been  allowed  to  accumulate 
from  year  to  year  without  being  used,  till  at  last  it  had 
became  so  great  as  almost  to  preclude  the  possibility  of 


212 


CANADA. 


I  ' 


n 


i   i 


entering  the  stable,  barn,  or  pigffcry.  This  was  univer- 
sally the  case  with  the  lirst  settlers,  but  the  value  of  ma- 
nure is  now  pretty  well  understood  among  Canadian 
farmers. 

Gardening  is,  in  Canada  as  in  the  States,  but  little 
cared  for ;  and  garden  produce,  when  purchased,  is  very 
dear.  We  paid  five  pence  English  for  single  cabbage- 
heads.  Much  time  cannot  be  devoted  to  horticultural 
pursuits,  and  a  little  time  is  not  sufficient  to  keep  a  gar- 
den in  order.  The  people  also  are  not  so  industrious  as 
in  England.  Many  orchards,  however,  appear  attached 
to  farm-houses,  some  of  them  of  great  extent,  and  gen- 
erally well  stocked  with  fruit  trees.  I  have  seen  some 
orchards  in  that  countiy  several  acres  in  extent.  Peaches 
are  in  abundance  on  the  south-western  parts  of  the  pro- 
vince, but  not  on  the  northern  part.  As  we  were  return- 
ing from  Yongc-street,  in  October,  and  coming  along  the 
countiy  bordering  on  the  Niagara  river,  nothing  could 
present  a  more  pleasing  sight  than  the  numerous  well 
stocked  orchards,  the  trees  of  which  were  bent  to  the 
eartlfwitli  fruit.  I  had  never  before  seen  any  trees  so 
completely  laden.  Cider,  near  the  Niagara  falls,  was 
little  more  than  a  dollar  a  barrel ;  it  was  brought  on 
the  table  in  jugs-full,  as  water  would  be  brought  in  Eng- 
land, and  of  an  excellent  quality.  Honey  also,  was, 
during  our  stay  at  the  Falls,  placed  on  the  table  every 
day,  generally  both  morning  and  evening,  and  could  be 
purchased  in  any  quantity  at  about  12lbs.  for  a  dollar. 

The  best  cider  I  ever  tasted  was  on  Yonge-street.  A 
gentleman  had  been  turning  his  apples  into  cider ;  after 
he  barrelled  it,  the  casks  were  left  so  exposed  as  to  be 
reached  by  the  frost,  which  congealed  the  aqueous  part 
of  the  liquid.  The  strength  of  the  cider,  the  very 
essence,  and  spirituous  portion  oi  it,  was  detached  there- 
bv  from  the  water.  He  bored  holes  in  the  barrels,  and 
drew  off  the  unfrozen  part  into  bottles ;  this  was  the 
cider  of  which  I  am  speaking,  which  in  strength  and 
goodness  more  resembled  wine  than  cider. 

In  the  midst  of  the  forests  are  gooseberries  and  rasp- 
berries, not  indeed  comparable^to  similar  fruit  in  England, 


jut 
obsc 
appi 
voul 

W( 

The 
The 
anoi 
mer 


I  '! 


Ay.  '. 


■■: 


!  1! 


CIIEAF    GOVERNMENT. 


213 


rhis  was  univer- 
the  value  of  ma- 
imong  Canadian 

States,  but  little 
archased,  is  very 
single  cabbage- 
l  to  horticultural 
it  to  keep  a  gar- 
so  industrious  as 
appear  attached 
3xtent,  and  gen- 
have  seen  some 
extent.  Teaches 
)arts  of  the  pro- 
we  were  return- 
oming  along  the 
*,  nothing  could 
numerous  well 
i^ere  bent  to  the 
en  any  trees  so 
igara  falls,  was 
^as  brought  on 
trought  in  Eng- 
►ney  also,  was, 
the  table  every 

and  could  be 
)s.  for  a  dollar, 
nge-street.  A 
to  cider ;  after 
posed  as  to  be 

aqueous  part 
der,  the  very 
letached  there- 
le  barrels,  and 

this  was  the 

strength  and 
r. 

ries  and  rasp- 
ait  in  England, 


jut  which  might  soon  become  so  by  cultivation.  I  also 
observed  some  wild  vines  with  clusters  of  grapes.  Wild 
apple-trees,  yielding  fruit  much  superior  in  size  and  fla- 
vour to  our  crab-apples,  arc  frequently  found  in  the 
woods,  which  yield  excellent  fruit  when  transplanted. 
There  are  moreover  wild  plums  of  an  excellent  quality. 
These  fruit  trees  will  bear  removing  from  one  place  to 
another  without  any  injury,  and  with  evident  improve- 
ment. 

There  are  various  sorts  of  shrubs  in  some  situations, 
which  are  beautiful  and  ornamental ;  but  which,  when 
taken  from  their  natural  shelter,  cannot  bear  the  heat  of 
summer  nor  the  cold  of  winter ;  they  quickly  fade.  A 
gentleman,  near  us  at  Thornhill,  had  brought  some 
young  shrubs  from  the  n.idst  of  the  forest,  and  planted 
them  in  his  grounds,  but  they  all  died  in  the  course  of 
the  year. 

The  government  of  Canada  is  perhaps  the  cheapest 
and  least  oppressive  in  the  world.  Its  pressure  is  not 
felt  in  the  least.  The  people  of  the  United  States  are 
sensible  of  this,  and  admit  the  excellence  of  its  adminis- 
tration in  many  respects ;  but  still  they  maintain  that 
England  has  no  business  there  and  should  leave  it  to 
itself.  They  are  eager  to  see  Canada  disunited  from 
the  mother  country,  under  a  republican  form  of  govern- 
ment, and  attached  to  the  federal  union.  The  Ameri- 
cans seemed  jealous  of  the  easy  taxation  of  the  British 
provinces. 

I  am,  however,  far  from  imagining  that  the  extent  of 
taxation  is  an  accurate  criterion  of  good  government. 
The  energy  of  the  States  is  much  invigorated  by  rates 
and  taxes,  which  I  imagine  are  higher  in  proportion  to 
their  wealth  than  in  England.  A  gentleman  of  New 
York  informed  me  that  the  annual  rates  and  taxes  of 
various  kinds  on  his  store  amounted  to  forty  dollars,  and 
on  his  dwelling-house  to  thirty.  In  country  places  of 
America  they  are  more  moderate ;  but  even  in  the  most 
lightly  taxed  parts  of  America  they  are  between  four 
and  five  times  as  much  as  in  Canada.  This  was  uni- 
formly told  me  by  Cs^nadians,  an4  admitted  by  Ameri- 


/(! 


i« 


314 


CANADA. 


^ 


'  I,  - 


■.     \ 


^   V 


i( 


ul 


cans.  The  public  works  in  America  arc  upon  a  large: 
scale  than  in  Canada,  and  are  defrayed  by  imposts  of 
various  kinds.  Those  in  (^'anada  are  also  not  defrayed 
by  tlu?  jnovincial  government,  hut  by  Enfjjland. 

I  much  question  whether  the  Canadians  would  allow 
tliomselves  to  be  assessed  for  any  improvements,  from 
whi(;li,  even  to  tliomselves,  groat  advantages  would  iin- 
nu'diatcly  result.     Their  roads  are  in  a  bad  condition, 
but  vet  ihi^y  are  unwilliiit;  to  ])av  rates  or  establish  turn- 
pik(^s.     Tiieir  roads  are  at  present  made  and  repaired 
by  statute  labour,  except  in  places  where  they  are  laid 
out  and  tornied  by  the  Canada  Company.     Canadians 
would  rather  tolerate  the  inconveniences  of  roads,  im- 
passable at  some  seasons,  than  pay  a  dollar  a  year  fur 
im()roving  them.     Tlu  extra  wear  and  tear  of  their 
horses,  (^arts,  harness,  clutht^s,  ccc,  cost  them  ten  times 
more  than  wcjuld  be  recpiislte  to  make  their  roads  and 
keej)  them  in  order  ;  l)ut  rates  and  taxes  sound  like  ty- 
ranny to  Canadians.     There  is  no  country  taxed  like 
England,  yet  there  is  no  country  so  well  able  to  pay  tax- 
Jition. 

An  awkward,  but  yet  laughable,  accident  took  place 
near  Thomhill  before  I  left  it,  occasioned  bv  the  badness 
of  the  roads.  I  have  lUentioned,  that  the  church  stood 
an  an  elevated  rise  above  a  winding  valley.  The  sides 
of  this  valley  are  very  steep,  and  Yonge-street,  on  the 
.steeper  side,  ascends  the  hill  in  a  direct  line.  Part  of 
the  hill  has  been  levelled,  but  not  so  as  to  render  the 
ascent  or  descent  safe  or  easy.  I  have  no  hesitation  in 
saying,  that  the  roads  in  Canada  are  the  greatest  draw- 
backs from  rural  comfort.  This  slope,  which  is  remarka- 
bly steep,  is  fainous  for  the  many  accidents  which  an-, 
nually  take  place.  A  gentleman,  who  had  been  in  the 
East  India  trade,  had  just  arrived  from  England,  with 
his  lady  and  a  numerous  family  accompanied  by  a  young 
gentleman,  who  was  reported  as  about  to  be  united  to 
tne  eldest  daughter  of  the  East  India  captain.  They 
had  purchased  a  valuable  and  well  situated  estate  close 
by,  and  h^d  taken  lodgings  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
valley  to  that  where  the  church  was  erected.    Their 


re  upon  a  largc-r 
i  by  imposts  of 
I  so  not  defrayed 
Inf^Iand. 

uis  would  allow 
rovemcnts,  from 
tagcs  would  iin- 
i  bad  condition. 
)r  establish  turn- 
le  and  repaired 
c  they  arc  laid 
ny.  Canadians 
es  of  roads,  im- 
ollar  a  year  for 
id  tear  of  their 
them  ten  times 
their  roads  and 
3S  sound  like  ty- 
ntry  taxed  like 
able  to  pay  tax- 

dent  took  place 

1  by  the  badness 

le  church  stood 

ey.     The  sides 

street,  on  the 

line.     Part  of 

to  render  the 

10  hesitation  in 

,i,n-eatest  draw- 

ich  is  remarka- 

nts  which  an- 

ad  been  in  the 

England,  with 

ied  by  a  young 

0  be  united  to 

iptain.     They 

id  estate  close 

te  side  of  the 

pQted,    Their 


BADNESS   OP    ROACS. 


215 


house  also,  and  farm,  which  they  had  purchased,  were 
on  the  same  side  as  the  church,  and  their  lodgings  were 
only  a  temporary  residence,  till  such  times  as  their  new 
mansion  could  be  made  ready  for  receivinii^  them.  The 
Sunday  morning,  on  which  they  first  made  their  appear- 
ance at  Thornhill  church,  was  exceedini;lv  rainv  ;  and 
tliey  rode  m  a  jaunting  cart  to  the  gate.  Th(3  as(^ent  up 
die  hill,  for  horses  in  wet  weather,  is  not  so  ditlicult  as 
die  descent;  and  their  journey  to  the  place  of  worship 
was  attended  by  no  accident.  Perhaps  also  the  unin- 
terrupted rain,  which  fell  during  divine  service,  contri- 
buted towards  making  their  return  more  unpleasant  than 
dieir  previous  drive. 

I  must  here  explain  further  that  the  roads,  in  many 
parts  of  Canada,  arc  composed  entirely  of  earth, — of  a 
rich  soil,  among  which  no  stones  or  gravel  is  iutenning- 
Icd.     Many  farms  along  Yonge-street,  of  two  hundred 
acres  in  extent,  have  not  so  much  stone  on  them  as  would 
>crve  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  house.     This  is  a  proof 
of  the  fineness  of  the  land;  but  also  of  the  paucity  of 
materials  for  making  solifl  and  substantial  turn}nkes.    C)f 
such  a  nature  is  the  road  at  Thornhill,  and  the  diniculty 
oi'  descending  a  steep  hill  in  wet  weather  may  beima; 
irined.  The  heavy  rains  had  made  it  a  C(  )m])letc  puddle, 
which  afforded  no  sure  footing  to  man  or  b(?ast.     In  re- 
turning from  church,  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  I  sj)cak 
of  had  this  steep  hill  to  descend.     The  jaunting  c.^rt, 
being  well  filled  with  people,  was  too  heavy  to  be  kej)t 
back,  and  pressed  hard  upon  the  horses.     The  intended 
youthful  bride-groom  was,  I  was  told,  the  charioteer. 
His  utinost  skill,  was  ineffectually  tried  to  prevent  a 
general  overturn.     The  horses  became  less  manageable 
every  moment.     But  yet  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  the 
vehicle  were  unapprehensive  of  danger,  and  their  mirth 
andjocularity  betrayed  the  inward  pleasure  they  derived 
from  his  increasing  struggles.     At  last  the  horses,  grow- 
ing impatient  of  control,  and  finding  themselves  their 
own  masters,  jerked  the  carriage  against  the  parapet  <jf 
the  road,  and  disengaged  themselves  from  it.     The  car- 
riage instantly  turned  over  on  its  side  ;  and  as  instantly 


M 


i'\ 


mm 


■    ! 


Hi' 


:V'.  i 


'    i 


I    :' 
!  ; ! 


I 


I  i 


( 


T: 


i 


it 


ill: 


\   ■   I 


316 


CANADA* 


all  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  trundled  out  of  it  like  rolling 
pins.  Nobody  was  hurt  in  the  least ;  for  the  mire  was 
so  deep,  that  they  fell  very  soft,  and  were  quite  imbedd- 
ed in  it.  What  apologies  the  gentlempii  made  I  am  un- 
able to  tell,  but  the  mirth  was  perfectly  suspended.  I 
overtook  the  party  at  the  bottom  of  the  hill,  the  iadies 
walking  homewards  from  the  church,  and  making  no 
very  elegant  appearance. 

Wc  found  some  imported  articles  very  reasonable. 
Good  brandy  could  be  obtained,  for  about  Gs.  (id.  a  gal- 
lon ;  and  the  best  for  a  little  more  than  two  dollars. 
Sugar  and  tea  were  better  for  the  money,  than  in  En- 
gland ;  and  about  as  good  as  in  the  States.  Whiskey  is 
Is.  Sd.  per  gallon.  Yet  candles,  soap,  and  other  such 
articles,  are  dearer  in  Canada  by  2d.  or  Sd.  per  lb.  than 
in  London.  Many  of  the  farmers  make  their  own ;  and 
consequently  the  chandlers  and  soap-boilers,  not  having 
so  extensive  a  sale  for  their  manufactures,  are  obliged 
to  have  better  prices.  As  population  advances,  and  the 
demand  and  consumption  increase,  competition  will  re- 
duce the  prices,  and  render  every  thing  easier  of  attain- 
ment than  at  present. 

Yet  there  often  appeared  to  be  an  exorbitant  price 
put  upon  some  articles  of  consumption,  whether  import- 
ed from  Europe,  or  manufactured  in  the  country.  I  wa^ 
told,  that  shop-keepei^  in  Canada  often  gain  from  one 
to  two  hundred  per  cent  upon  English  articles.  If  nioie 
facilities  were  opened  for  commerce,  and  greater  in- 
ducements to  consumers  by  a  fair  and  moderate  remu- 
neration, it  would  assuredly  be  advantageous  for  all 
parties.  There  would  be  closer  bond  ■  of  union  between 
England  and  Canada,  from  greater  con^^umption  without 
greater  cost.  Retail  dealers  there  would  have  increased 
demands  for  every  useful  article,  which  a  too  high  price 
places  out  of  the  reach  of  some,  and  out  of  the  desire 
of  others  ;  and  without  which,  many  contrive  to  manage, 
rather  than  purchase  at  the  price  demanded.  Yet  not- 
withstanding the  high  price  of  some  things,  above  what 
they  arc  in  England,  they  are  much  cheaper  than  in 
America.     An  American  can  take  an  excursion  from 


Ne\ 

Que 
save 
Can 
perh 
of  ir 
\\ 
in  tl 
we 
burn 
paid 
son 
prud 
!?pee 
he  \ 
land 
acre 
Supi 
dred 
wooc 
woul 
lars 


FUEL. 


217 


ut  of  it  like  rolling 
for  the  mire  was 
^ere  quite  imbedd- 
pu  made  I  am  un- 
tly  suspended.  I 
he  hill,  the  ladies 
I,  and  making  no 

very  reasonable. 
)out  Gs.  (id.  a  gal- 
than  two  dollars. 
3ney,  than  in  Eli- 
tes. Whiskey  is 
>,  and  other  such 
•r  3c/.  per  lb.  than 
lC  their  own ;  and 
oilers,  not  having 
uros,  are  obliged 
idvances,  and  the 
npetition  will  re- 
^  easier  of  attain- 

cxorbitant  price 
whether  import- 
country.     I  was 
!n  gain  from  one 
tides.     If  more 
and  greater  iii- 
noderate  remu- 
itageous  for  all 
>f  union  between 
ainption  without 
1  have  increased 
a  too  high  price 
ut  of  the  desire 
rive  to  manage, 
idcd.     Yet  not- 
igs,  above  what 
cheaper  than  in 
excursion  from 


New- York  to  Canada,  travel  down  to  Montreal  and 
Quebec,  and  return  by  the  same  manner  that  I  did ;  and 
save  as  much,  by  purchasing  two  suits  of  clothes  in 
Canada,  as  will  defray  the  expenses  of  his  journey.  Yet 
perhaps  a  moditication  of  the  tariff,  which  was  spoken 
of  in  America,  may  render  this  impossible  in  future. 

We  found  fuel  much  more  reasonable  in  Canada  than 
in  the  States.  In  New  York,  the  winter  we  were  there 
we  w^ere  told  it  was  fourteen  dollars  a  cord  ;  but  we 
burnt  no  wood  ourselves  whilst  there.  In  Canada  we 
paid  one  dollar  a  cord,  when  laid  at  our  door.  A  per- 
son who  is  settled  on  a  farm  of  his  own,  which  every 
prudent  person  in  country  places  takes  care  to  be  as 
speedily  as  possible,  obtains  his  fuel  at  small  cost.  If 
he  were  to  hire  a  wood-cutter  to  clear  him  an  acre  of 
land,  he  would  pay  twelve  dollars ;  consequently-  an 
acre  and  a  half  would  be  cleared  for  eighteen  dollars. 
Supposing  the  same  acre  and  a  half  to  contain  one  hun- 
dred cords  of  wood,  the  cutting  of  it  up  for  fuel,  if  the 
wood-cutter  boarded  at  the  house  of  his  employer, 
would  be  a  quarter  of  a  dollar  a  cord, — twenty-five  dol- 
lars for  the  whole.  The  difference  of  clearing  the 
ground  in  the  ordinary  way,  and  of  cutting  it  up  for 
fire-wood,  is  not  more  than  five  or  six  dollars  an  acre. 
The  expense  of  carting  it  home  devolves  in  this  case 
upon  the  owner,  who  must  find  horses  and  men ;  but  as 
all  residents  upon  land  have  horses  or  oxen,  and  also 
men  hired  as  servants,  the  expense  is  not  felt.  When 
in  New  York,  we  often  used  charcoal  mixed  with  hard 
coal ;  and  for  the  charcoal  we  paid  about  lOd.  a  bushel 
English.  Charcoal  in  Canada  would  have  been  brought 
to  our  door  at  2d.  per  bushel. 

During  our  residence  in  New  York,  an  insurrection 
took  place  in  the  West  Indies.  The  slaves  had  been  in- 
stigated, by  what  they  heard  respecting  liberty,  to  rise 
up  against  their  masters.  We  found  some  of  those  from 
Europe,  who  had  been  resident  in  the  West  Indies  for 
years,  to  have  emigrated  to  Canada  with  their  families. 
Independent  of  a  greater  degree  of  civil  order,  they 
gain  thereby  a  climate  highly  favourable  to  European 


!  ■ 


S      : 


>       i-li 


i      ) 


M 


( ;' 


I . 


ii 


f^l  K-  i 


ifiy.*^ 


218 


CANADA. 


constitutions,  and  abounding  in  the  necessaries  of  life. 
Some  Americans  declared  to  me,  that  the  propensities 
and  dispositions  of  negroes  are  not  ahered  by  civiHza- 
tion ;  that  they  are  still  blood-thirsty  ;  and  would  rob  or 
murder  when  in  their  power. 

In  New- York  no  white  person  will  sit  down  to  cat 
at  the  same  table  with  a  coloured  person,  nor  associate 
in  the  same  company.  I  cannot  conceive,  why  there 
should  be  any  such  antipathy  or  repugnance.  I  talked 
with  several  coloured  people,  and  always  found  them,  in 
conversation,  rational  and  sensible.  At  Thornhill  in 
Canada,  there  was  a  black  man  and  his  wife,  but  they 
were  not  so  treated  as  in  the  States.  With  the  woman 
I  had  several  opportunities  of  talking.  She  sjioke  as 
properly,  and  as  much  to  the  purpose,  on  every  question 
proposed  to  her,  as  any  person,  who  could  neither  read 
nor  write,  could  be  expected  to  do.  I  encoiu'aged  her 
to  join  our  Sunday  school,  which  she  did  a  few  times  ; 
but  had  not  acquired  ability  to  read,  before  she  left  the 
neighbourhood.  Her  husband  had  been  a  slave  in  the 
States,  and  had  made  a  premature  liberation  of  himself 
])y  crossing  the  boundary  line.  Yet  he  could  not  gain  a 
Hving  by  his  skill  and  labour.  He  was  a  helpless  and  de- 
pendent creature.  I  perceived  the  necessity  of  convey- 
ing useful  instruction  to  peo})le  inured  to  slavery,  before 
emancipation  and  the  rights  of  freedom  are  bestowed. 
Liberty  to  the  captive  is  assuredly  no  blessing,  where 
this  had  not  been  previously  provided. 

I  had  been  much  impressed  with  the  activity  of  Ame- 
ricans in  New- York  ;  and  with  their  contrivances  in 
rendering  subservient  to  their  interest  and  to  their  coun- 
try's welfare,  not  only  their  own  energies,  but  those  of 
all  who  approach  them.  The  consequence  of  this  is 
visible,  in  their  shipping,  their  buildings,  and  their  im- 
provements of  all  kinds.  But  I  had  not,  till  after  re- 
siding in  Canada,  a  full  idea  of  their  national  greatness 
and  enterprize.  The  extent  of  country  they  have  clear- 
ed, their  inland  traffic,  their  public  works,  their  increas- 
ing manufactures,  and  their  mechanical  inventions,  are 
wortliv  of  unbounded  admiration.    The  forests  are  made 


A    MAnilNK. 


219 


cessaries  of  life, 
the  pro]jcnsitie3 
ered  by  civiliza- 
nd  would  rob  or 

sit  down  to  cat 
n,  nor  associate 
eive,  whv  there 
lance.  I  talked 
s  found  them,  in 
Vt  ThornhiU  in 
s  wife,  but  they 
^'^ith  the  WNjman 
She  s])oke  as 
1  every  question 
nld  neither  read 
encouraged  her 
id  a  few  times  ; 
fore  she  left  the 
n  a  slave  in  the 
ation  of  himself 
ould  not  gain  a 
lelplcss  and  de- 
isity  of  convey- 
slaverv,  before 
are  bestowed, 
blessing,  where 

2tivity  of  Ame- 
ontrivances  in 
d  to  their  coun- 
s,  but  tiiose  of 
;nce  of  this  is 
,  and  their  im- 
)t,  till  after  re- 
onal  greatness 
ey  have  clear- 
,  their  increas*- 
nventions,  are 
rests  are  made 


to  disappear  by  the  cdsre  of  tho  axe,  a  four-inch  piece  of 
steel ;  and  our  astonishment  cannot  but  be  called  forth, 
on  witnessing  such  wonderful  results,  from  an  instrument 
apparently  so  inadequate.  Natives  are  much  more  ex- 
pert in  felling  trees,  than  recent  emigrants  ;  and  no  one, 
till  after  some  months  residence,  can  equal  them.  The 
logging  of  trees  is  also  rendered  more  easy  by  pra(;tice. 
Some  settlers  I  conversed  with  infoiTUod  me  that  the 
piling  of  logs  for  burning  is  the  most  ditficult  exercise 
they  liave  experienced  in  (Janada. 

It  appeared  surprising,  that  among  the  many  inven- 
tions for  rendering  manual  labour  more  expeditious  and 
less  oppressive,  none  has  yet  been  found  for  clearing  the 
forests.  The  same  process  is  now  pursued,  without 
anv  variation,  which  the  settlers  of  three  hundred  years 
ago  adopted  ;  and  perhaps  the  very  same  as  was  follow- 
ed in  the  time  of  Homer.  It  seemed  to  me  quite  possi- 
ble, to  adopt  a  portable  steam  engine  to  this  purpose  ; 
which  might  perform  the  labour  more  expediently,  and 
which  would  also  tear  up  trees  by  the  roots,  whereby 
the  ground  would  be  cleared  at  once.  I  tliink  also,  that 
steam-engines  might  be  usefully  applied  to  ploughing 
and  liarrowing. 

A  little  before  W'e  left  Canada,  a  machine  was  intro- 
duced from  the  States,  of  great  mechanical  powers.  A 
gentleman  accompanied  me  to  see  it  in  operation.  The 
usual  w' ay  of  clearing  land  is  by  cutting  down  the  trees 
about  a  yard  from  the  ground.  The  stumps  and  roots 
are  thus  left  standing,  which  form  great  impediments  to 
cultivation.  All  such  impediments,  except  where  pines 
have  stood,  die  away  in  ten  years  at  the  longest.  Pine 
stumps,  from  the  turpentine  and  resin  contained  in  them 
which  preserves  them  from  corruption,  will  stand  in  the 
irround  forty  or  liftv  years.  The  fa  crs  uniformly 
said,  that  the  land  produced  as  much  w.  ■..  the  stumps  in, 
as  with  them  out ;  and  that  the  only  detriment  they  oc-. 
casion  arises  from  their  hinderance  to  agriculture.  As 
all  but  pine-stumps  quickly  decompose,  the  expense  and 
trouble  of  removing  them  would  not  be  counterbalanced 
by  any  convenience  in  husbandry'.     The  machine,  there-> 


u 


II 


If 

*    , 

i 

i 

220 


CANADA. 


U>i 


.i 


\    f 


' 

-  !i 

1    4     ' 

ill 

1  i 

h 

t 

if 

\1 

Iv 

fore,  which  I  have  mentioned,  was  to  remove  pine- 
stumps  from  the  grounds.  It  was  wonderful,  to  witness 
the  ease  and  certainty  with  which  it  drew  them  out. 
Two  oxen  were  required,  to  turn  the  axle  on  which  the 
chain  wiiich  drofr.ired  the  stumps  was  wound.  On  the 
roots  of  one  tree  a  I02;  was  lying,  which  could  not  be  less 
than  fifty  feet  in  length.  This  log  was  entirely  raised 
from  the  ground  and  the  root  turned  up,  by  the  power  of 
the  machine.  The  States  are  much  in  advance  of  Can- 
ada in  mechanical  artb,  but  this  one  might  naturally 
look  for  in  a  country  so  much  longer  settled.  A  g(?ntle- 
man  present  observed,  that  should  a  dentist  in  London 
be  able  to  invent  so  efficacious  a  stump-drawer,  he  might 
soon  make  his  fortune. 

The  smaller  degree  of  enterprise  and  mechanical  skill 
existing  in  Canada, arises  from  its  more  recent  settlement, 
and  less  extent  of  capital.  There  have  also,  till  lately, 
been  fewer  facilities  for  transportation  of  merchandise. 
A  greater  activity  is,  however,  now  springing  up 
both  in  the  government  and  the  people ;  and  ten  years 
more,  I  am  confident,  will  make  greater  changes  there, 
than  the  last  twenty  years  have  produced  in  the  States. 
Let  England  do  her  duty  by  her  colonies,  and  their  at- 
tachment and  prosperity  will  be  unparalleled.  The  last 
year  was  unexampled  for  the  number  of  emigrants,  not- 
withstanding the  unfavourableness  of  the  season  from 
cholera.  Tliis  year  is  expected  to  l)e  still  more  so,  not 
only  I'rom  greater  numbers  about  to  leave  England,  but 
also  from  greater  numbers  about  to  leave  the  States. 
The  country  is  so  exceedingly  productive,  and  so  well- 
suited  to  European  constitutions,  that  but  tew  will  enter 
the  States  as  settlers,  if  the  colonial  government  pursue 
liberal  measures. 

Thunder  storms  in  Canada  are  sometimes  fearful,  and 
occasion  considerable  alarm.  Yet  I  believe,  that  ihev 
are  rarely  attended  by  any  disastrous  issue.  The  light- 
ning which,  from  falling  downwards,  might  in  other 
places  create  disasters,  is  generally  attracted  by  the  lofty 
trees  which  remain  standing  on  the  farms.  One  Sunday 
evening,  between  six  and  eight  o'clock,  and  during  divine 


TE3IPKRANCE   SOCIETIES. 


221 


>  remove  pine- 
erful,  to  witness 
drew  them  out. 
le  on  which  the 
,'ountl.  Un  the 
ould  not  be  less 
entirely  raised 
by  the  [)ower  ot 
ivance  of  Can- 
niaht  naturally 
led.  A  gentle- 
ntist  in  London 
•awer,  he  might 

nechanical  skill 

cent  settlement, 

also,  till  lately, 

•f  merchandise. 

springing    up 

and  ten  years 

changes  there, 

I  in  tlie  States. 
s,  and  their  at- 
led.  The  last 
emigrants,  not- 

season  from 

II  more  so,  not 
England,  but 

ve  the  States. 
,  and  so  well- 
lew  will  enter 
inment  pursue 

ics  fearful,  and 
ieve,  that  they 
e.  The  light- 
light  in  other 
ed  by  the  lofty 
One  Sunday 
1  during  divine 


service,  a  tremendous  thunderstorm  took  place.  It  ap- 
peared so  immediately  above  us,  and  the  flashes  and  roar 
so  continuous,  as  to  be  really  awful.  I  frequently  could 
not  hear  my  own  voice,  and  was  persuaded  in  my  own 
mind  that  the  congregation  could  not  hear  it ;  so  I  cur- 
tailed my  sermon.  1  had  never  before  seen  so  much 
water  fall  in  so  short  a  time.  On  returning  home,  I 
found  our  landlady  lookin"^  from  the  balcony  at  a  burn- 
ing  tree,  which  she  had  a  little  before  observed  struck 
with  lightning,  and  thereby  set  on  fire.  This  often  takes 
place ;  and  I  have  heard  several  affirm,  that  they  saw 
the  descent  of  the  electric  stream  which  had  kindled 
trees  in  a  similar  manner.  Sometimes  a  tree  so  iijnited 
will  continue  burning  for  a  considerable  thne.  The  trees 
thus  struck  are  generally  girdled  pines,  left  standing  in 
partially  cleared  grounds ;  and  which  have  become  -dry, 
and  burn  easily. 

Temperance  societies  are  represented  to  have  produced 
much  good  in  America,  in  reclaiming  not  only  such  as 
were  occasional  tipplers,  hut  also  confirmed  hard  drink- 
ers. I  believe  it  is  to  the  United  States  that  Temperance 
societies  owe  their  origin.  The  number  of  members  of 
such  societies  are  estimated  to  be  nearly  two  hundred 
thousancf  in  New  York  State.  Many  grocers,  who  had 
previous  to  their  establishment,  been  in  the  habit  of  re- 
tailing spirits,  have  been  prevailed  on  to  discontinue  such 
traffic,  and  confine  themselves  to  other  branches  of 
their  trade.  The  numbers  of  drunkards  have  been  de- 
creasing there  for  the  last  two  or  tliree  years.  During 
my  residence  in  America,  I  saw  but  one  pcirson  drunk, 
and  he  was  a  young  Englishman  returning  to  England. 
I  heard  a  good  deal  respecting  intemperance  in  the 
States;  but  one  instance  only,  and  that  a  fellow-country- 
man, met  my  observation,  which  I  am  sorry  to  admit,  is 
much  more  than  I  could  affirm  of  Canada.  I  devoutly 
wish,  that  the  Canadians  were  inspired  with  more  self- 
respect  ;  as  also  the  English.  To  prove  that  intempe- 
rance, however,  exists  to  a  frightful  extent  in  America 
I  will  insert  two  extracts  from  the  "  New  York  State 
Temperance  Society's  Report  for  1832."     The  society 


i 


,,  >: 


!  i  r 


\-  I'). 


'. 


222 


CAN ADA < 


held  its  annual  meeting  in  New  York,  during  my  first 
visit  to  Canada ;  but  a  copy  of  the  repo'l  was  presented 
to  me  by Goodiiue,  Esq.  on  my  return. 

The  first  extract,  is  part  of  a  letter  addressed  by  the 
<'haplain  of  the  State  prison  at  Auburn,  to  the  chair- 
man; and  is  as  follows:  "  The  male  convicts  remaining 
in  Ttrison  on  the  1st  dav  of  January,  1832, ma v  lie  classed, 
with  reference  to  their  Ibrmer  habits  of  driiiliing,  in  the 
following  manner : — grossly  intemperate,  209.  Mode- 
rately intemperate,  2.57.  Temperate  drinkers,  132. 
Total  abstinents,  or  nearly  so,  19.  Of  this  number  ot' 
convicts,  340  were  under  the  influence  of  ardent  spirits 
at  the  time  of  the  commission  of  their  crimes.  The  num- 
ber discharged  by  pardon  and  ex[»iration  of  sentence, 
during  the  past  year,  was  133.  Of  these,  95  had  been 
drunkards." 

The  second  extract  is  from  the  report  of  Cherry 
Valley,  in  Otsego ;  as  follows  : 

"  Within  the  last  year,  we  have  distributed  0,000  pages 
of  temperance  addresses,  &c.  and  .500  State  circulars ; 
and  since  the  fomiation  of  our  three  societies,  we  have 
distributed  27,100  pages.  The  eflect  of  this  reading 
matter  upon  the  community  appears  from  the  fact,  that 
when  our  societies  were  first  formed,  30,000  gallons  of 
ardent  spirits  were  consumed  in  the  town  the  preceding 
year,  and  that,  from  January  1831,  to  January  1832, 
there  were  sold  only  8,028  gallons,  0,000  gallons  of  which 
were  sold  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  town ;  97()  gallons  of 
this  Avas  brandy,  gin,  and  rum  ;  the  remainder  whiskey. 
It  has  been  ascertained,  that  4,000  gallons  have  been  re- 
tailed out  in  small  measure,  which  at  the  rate  of  two 
dollars  per  gallon,  makes  8,000  dollars ;  to  which,  add 
the  2,000  gallons  at  thirty-one  and  a  quarter  cents  per 
gallon,  and  we  have  8,025  dollars,  paid  l)y  the  inhabi- 
tants of  thi .!  town  for  ardent  spirits  the  past  year.  1,310 
dollars  were  expended  in  this  town  for  common  school*^; 
last  winter,  tour  districts  were  unable  to  have  any  schotd, 
and  this  winter  five  districts  have  none  yet ;  there  was 
paid  far  ardent  spirits,  8,625  dollars.  The  whole  amount 
of  ou.'  town  and  county  taxes  is  2,177  dollars,  and  our 


r,ail( 


«•¥• 


luring  my  first, 
was  presented 
rn. 

dressed  by  the 
,  to  the  chair- 
'icts  rcmainini!; 
nay  be  classed, 
Irinking,  in  the 
,  209.  Mode- 
drinkers,  13'J. 
this  number  ol' 
'  ardent  spirits 
cs.  The  nuni- 
)n  of  sentence, 
e,  95  hnd  been 

ort  of  Cherry 

ed  6,000  pages 
itate  circulars ; 
Pties,  we  have 
f  this  reading 
1  the  fact,  that 
000  gallons  of 
ihe  preceding 
anuarv   I83'i, 
dlons  of  which 
97()  gallons  of 
nder  whiskey, 
have  been  re- 
le  rate  of  two 
to  which,  add 
rtcr  cents  \Kn' 
ly  the  in  habi- 
ts year.    1,310 
II lion  school'"^ ; 
ve  any  school, 
it ;  there  was 
kvhole  amount 
lars,  and  our 


rHAKACTER    OF    CVN\l>lA\.S. 


223 


rum  and  whiskey  tax  is  8,(V2.5  dollars.  The  consump- 
tion of  spirits,  the  past  is  greater  than  the  previous  year, 
for  the  reason  that  tw(j  ^rroceries  and  a  tavern  have  gone 
iiito  0}>crati'>n  and  sokl  o.oou  gallons,  and  Ijecause  too, 
many  \vh'.)  were  te/zijn  riifr  drinkci's,  have  now  become  hi- 
Mnpcnit''  driiikei's.  W('  have  s(n'onteen  places  where 
spirits  are  vended.  Xumlxr  <'f  menibers  230,  in- 
crease   100." 

Intemperance  exists  to  a  jjTt-at  extent  in  Canada;  and 
the  cheapness  of  intoxicaiinir  liquors,  which,  when  re- 
tailed, ai'c  more  nv)derate  in  price  than  in  America,  is 
an  irresisiible  hiducement  for  lhf>  continunn<?t'  of  intem- 
j>erancc  among  such  as  had  formed  the  habit  previous  to 
(Mnigration.  A  person  (jf  such  haliits  will  n<.  ver  succeed 
in  Canada,  or  in  America.  He  generally  becomes  worse 
than  before  tivim  increased  temptations,  and  descends 
into  tlie  s^rave  t'rom  premature  decay.  There  is  no  tem- 
perance society  in  Canada,  1  believe.  J^hould  the  final 
result  of  such  societies  in  tlie  States  Ik?  successful,  Canada 
has  sutTicient  emulation  and  mofloLJty  to  adopt  them,  and 
10  acknowledge  her  c»bIigations  to  America.  The  na- 
tional vfuiitv  of  Chancellor  Walworth's  anniversary  ad- 
dress  to  the  society  is  allowable,  and  perhaps  commend- 
able, on  this  sul)ject :  '•  Recollect,  th.at  a  ray  of  light  from 
this  countrv  has  already  shot  across  the  Atlantic,  and 
that  the  nations  of  the  Old  World  are  n(.»w  lookini?  to 
America  !br  an  example  of  wisd<>m  and  })rudence  in 
(^Dnducting  this  great  n^jral  reformation,  as  \\ell  as  to 
witness  tlie  benign  eftccts  of  our  iVee  ins-ituiions  upon 
the  temporal  happiness  of  man.'' 

The  Canadians  who,  t.s  tlio  English  loyali.-ts.  had  pre- 
ferred Canada  to  the  Sttites,  were  sometimes  represent- 
ed as  of  doubtful  ]»rincipl  s,  and  as  d!spose<l  to  be  unjust 
')i-  knavis!).  I  must  protest  against  the  sentence.  I  found 
many  of  tliem  persons  of  excellent  character,  honourable 
m  their  dealinirs,  and  studioi^sof  peace  with  their  neigh- 
bours. Their  conduct  appeared  remarkably  inoflensivo 
1  do  not  ni)w  speak  of  Americans  of  recent  settlement, 
imi  of  those  who  hrst  emigrated  in  the  time  of  the  war. 
I  heard  other  clergymen  make  the  same  remark  that  I 


w 


.        '1 

!        A 

\'4 

'i  ■■■ 

t 

1  4-  -  ■ 


:'l 


.fi't 


I 

Ml , 


ip 


ill 


.  i 


i  .     ,  ii 

! 


|i 


,1 


f    / 


fii 


224 


CANADA. 


am  doing  ;  who  considered  these  loyalists  as  often  tra- 
duced and  imposed  on  by  settlers  from  Europe,  whose 
greater  information  and  skill  enable  them  to  take  advan- 
tage. The  person,  in  whose  house  we  had  lodgings, 
was  originidly  from  the  States.  Many  predicted  that 
we  should  never  be  able  to  continue  in  the  same  house, 
but  should  soon  inquire  for  other  lodgings.  Yet  we  had 
never  a  single  diflerence  with  her  tor  four  months.  She 
had  met  with  many  losses  and  impostures,  and  had  be- 
come timorous  and  distrustful ;  and  her  neighbours  con- 
strued this  disposition  into  quarrelsomeness  and  ill- 
nature. 

Many  persons  in  New  York  made  complaints  to  this 
meaning :  we  work  four  months  in  the  year  for  our  land- 
lords, and  tour  more  for  clothing  and  fuel,  and  the  re- 
maining four  are  little  enough  to  procure  food  and  to  be 
idle.  It  often  appeared  to  me,  that  although  many 
seemed  to  obtain  greater  wages,  yet  the  persons,  really 
benefitted  by  them,  were  coal-merchants  and  land- 
lords. Also  in  Canada,  house-rents  are  high.  Capital 
not  being  so  abundant,  such  as  possess  money  lay  it  out 
to  greater  interest.  Houses  being  property,  produce 
greater  interest  from  investment  than  wdth  us.  Most 
houses  in  many  parts  of  Canada  are  built  of  wood,  and 
pass  under  difierent  appellations,  according  to  their  size 
or  mode  of  construction.  A  shanty  has  a  roof  sloping 
one  way  onl}',  and  contains  but  one  apartment.  It  is 
very  commonly  the  only  residence  of  officers  and  other 
gentlemen,  on  their  first  retiring  to  the  forests,  and  is 
built  of  rough  logs  with  notches  in  the  end,  into  which 
transverse  lo<rs  similarlv  notched  are  in  a  measure  dove- 
tailed.  The  interstices  between  the  logs  are  filled  with 
lime  or  da}',  to  exclude  the  iroe  admission  of  air.  Shan- 
ties are  uqxqv  any  thing  more  than  temporary  dwellings, 
till  part  of  the  estates  c*re  cleared,  and  log  or  frame 
houses  erected.  Log  houses  are  built  in  a  similar  man- 
ner to  shanties,  but  are  larger  and  v/ith  roofs  shelving 
towards  both  sides,  and  generally  containing  sleeping 
apartments  on  an  upper  floor.  Sometimes  the  logs  are 
squared  before  being  used  in  building,  which  renders  the 


CANADA  COMPANY. 


225 


5ts  as  often  tra- 
Europc,  whose 
1  to  take  advan- 
had  lodgings, 
predicted  that 
he  same  house, 
J.  Yet  we  had 
:r  months.  She 
!S,  and  had  be- 
leirrhhoiirs  con- 
eness    and    ill- 

nplaints  to  this 
nr  tor  our  land- 
lel,  and  the  re- 
food  and  to  be 
hhongh   many 
persons,  really 
nts  and   land- 
high.     Capital 
)nev  lav  it  out 
lerty,  produce 
ith  us.     Most 
of  wood,  and 
ig  to  their  size 
I  roof  sloping 
rtment.     It  is 
ers  and  other 
forests,  and  is 
id,  into  which 
neasure  dove- 
are  filled  with 
of  air.    Shan- 
irv  dwellings, 
log  or  frame 
similar  man- 
oofs  shelving    ; 
ling  sleeping 
5  the  lofifs  are 
.h  renders  the 


houses  much  wanner  as  well  as  more  substantial,  and 
adds  greatly  to  their  beauty.  Frame  houses  are  con- 
structed of  boards  of  timber  nailed  to  ujiright  frame- 
works. They  are  generally  boarded  both  inside  and 
outside.  Frame  houses  have  a  neat  a])pearance,  when 
well  finished  and  painted  white.  Sh;uiti(.'s  and  log 
houses  are  erected  at  smrdl  expense ;  but  franie  houses, 
iire  considerably  expensive,  often  costiiiLi  from  one  to 
three  thousand  dollars.  Brick  buildings  are  rarely  seen 
in  remote  places. 

vSome  gentleman  asserted  strenuously,  that  Mr.  Mac- 
Kenzie  has  done  good  in  Canada,  by  exposing  the  abuses 
or  negligences  of  government,  and  by  exciting  the  peo- 
ple to  investigation  and  inquiry.  If  he  has  produced 
any  beneficial  result,  or  if  his  object  is  that  of  an  hon- 
ourable man,  I  hope  he  will  ultimately  reap  his  reward. 
Many  are  persuaded,  that  he  is  in  the  pay  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, and  eager  to  establish  a  democracy.  This  would 
prove  advantageous,  neither  to  the  province  nor  to  Eng- 
land. His  ruling  passion  is  considered  to  be  ambition, 
and  the  desire  <;»f  ascent  to  power  by  misleading  the 
people. 

I  met  with  some  from  England,  who  censured  the 
Canada  Company  in  unmeasured  terms.  They  regard- 
ed the  increased  price  laid  on  the  Company's  lands  as 
an  imposition  on  the  public,  and  as  detrimental  to  the 
general  interests  of  the  province.  They  imagined,  that 
some  emigrants  were  deterred  thereby  from  settling  on 
them,  and  were  induced  to  }  roceed  to  the  States.  1  do 
not  believe,  that  a  respectable  emigrant  who  had  once 
entered  Canada  would  be  deterred  bv  such  increased 
price  from  purchasing.  I  am  persuaded,  that  land  in 
Canada  at  hve  dollars  an  acre,  is  chea])er  ultimately, 
than  land  in  the  States  at  o:ie  dollar.  This  arises  from 
the  superiorquality  of  soil  and  healthiness  of  the  climate 
and  from  the  better  and  readier  market  under  the  British 
government.  But  the  Canada  Company  is  capable  of 
justification,  according  to  the  established  usage  of  all  trad- 
ing bodies,  in  demanding  more  for  a  commodity  which 
has  risen  in  value.     If  we  investigate  the  cause  of  this 


I 

I  ■ 


:|i 


■il 

It 

\  'I 


:  ;     I 


.  m 


m- 


226 


CANADA. 


increase  in  value  of  the  Company's  territories,  we  shali 
find  it  closely  interwoven  with  the  company's  existence.  ^ 
The  Company,  by  opening  roads,  has  giv(Mi  greater  fa- 
cilities to  the  more  remote  districts.     It  incurred  a  large 
expenditure  in  doing  this  ;  and  it  was  reasonable  it  should 
reimburse  itself,  by  imposing  a  higher  ju'ice  tor  posses- 
sions which  had  been  rendered  more  vahudjle  from  tho! 
outlay.     The  Company  also  contributed  to  render  tlu  . 
country  better  known  in  England.     It  employed  agent>  • 
to  survey  the  extensive  tracts  it  had  purchased,  find  tc- 
re])ort  their  general  character  and  ca)>abilites.     Certain- 
ly nothing  could  be  more  reasonable,  than  that  it  should 
obtain  some  equivalent  from  territories,  which  had  been 
explored  by  the  agents  it  employed,  and  improved  by  the  ; 
ca])ital  it  exjx^nded.     The  Company,  notwithstandintr.  f 
has  been  strongly  condemned  lor  advancing  the  price  j^ 
of  lands.     The  })rice  is  extremely  moderate,  if  we  con- ' 
sider  that  the  lands  are  in  themselves  invaluable,  from 
tlie  fertility  of  the  soil,  the  abundance  of  excellent  water, ; 
the  ready  market  now  found  in  every  part  of  the  pro-  ^ 
vince,  and  tlie  facilities  for  commerce  which  are  everv  I 
day  increasing.     The  English  appear  not  yet  sensible, 
eitlier  o(  the  exuberance  of  its  productions,  or  their  im- 
mense utilitv  to  the  crown  of  Great  Britain. 

Yet  whatever  claims  the  Canada  Company  may  have  I 
to  liberal  remuneration,  it  ought  to  be  suggested,  that 
the  real  interest  of  the  British  nation  requires  all  ima- 
ginable facility  to  be  given  to  persons  disposed  to  emi- 
grate into  Upper  Canada.     The  public  lands,  as  well  as 
those  of  the  Company,  ought  to  be  dis])osed  of  at  the 
lowest  price,  consistent  with  justice,  and  the  proper  ad-  • 
ministration  of  government.     If  there  exists  anv  real  ^ 
cause  ol"  dissatisfaction,  or  if  there  be  even  an  imagina-  i 
ry  one,  which  throws  a  stumbling-block  or  shadow  oi'  I 
offence  in  the  way  of  any  emigrant,  however  humble,  it 
oufjlit  to  be  removed  immediatelv.     The  Canadians  are 
still  proud  of  their  connexion  with  England.     A  vast 
majority  are  staunch  loyalists,  and  glory  in  their  privi-  i 
leges  as  English  subjects  ;  and  nothing  should  be  omitted   ; 
to  prove  to  them,  that  England  is  proud  of  their  loyal  i 


•id  hen 
d  t<j 
■ale  ( >f I 
trc  di^ 
iich  hi 
ioverii 
r\',  bcl 
;vcr  \\ 
videral 
States,! 
iiat  til 
lircct 
ireds  (. 
,trevioi 
ible  so 
)urcha 
lavoun 
The 
;can  an 
:overni 
in  Ami 
4iew,  i 
■very  t 
ountr) 
luture  < 


•ourag( 
hanics 
settle  il 
4ilful, 
urn  of 
pulatio; 
:ieaven 
•rophe 
his  fa' 
They 
olden 
Let 
ihe  san 
Il  will 
Dility  c 


FMIGRATION    Ol(;HT    TO    BE    i:NrOrRA(;ED. 


•2-27 


itorics,  we  shall 
•any's  existence. 
iv(>n  irrc.itcr  la- 
incurred  a  larsre 
?(mable  it  sliouhi 
^rice  tor  poss(>s- 
il liable  irom  tho 
I  to  render  the 
mployed  airent,^ 
irchased.  and  iv 
ilites.  Certain- 
n  that  it  should 
which  had  beei: 
mp]-oved  by  the 
lotwitlistandintr. 
iicino:  the  price 
rate,  if  we  con- 
nvalua])le,  from 
excellent  water, 
•art  of  the  pro- 
liich  are  every 
lot  vet  sensible, 
•ns,  or  their  ini- 
lin. 

^any  may  have 

ugi»"ested,  that 

uires  all  ima- 

sposed  to  enii- 

nds,  as  well  as 

used  of  at  the 

the  proper  ad- 

xists  any  real 

Ml  an  inKio;ina- 

or  shadow  oi' 

ver  humble,  it 

Canadians  are 

land.     A  vast 

in  their  privi- 

uld  be  omitted 

of  their  loyal 


idherence.  ]Many  even  of  those  most  warmly  attach- 
(i  to  the  British  t'overntnent  imacrined  that  a  cheaper 
■ale  of  lands  would  lu;  irotKl  iiolicv.  Manv  einiurants 
trc  divided  in  their  choice,  who  would  never  have  felt 
^iich  hesitation,  had  not  unfavourable  statements  of  the 
jovernment.  and  of  tin  unsettled  c(jiidition  of  the  coun- 
ly,  been  industriously  circulatcnl.  These  re j )orts.  how- 
■ver  unfounded  in  the  L^eneral  they  may  be.  have  con- 
siderable iniluence  with  I'nany.  who  jierhaps  enter  the 
States,  and  squander  tlu-ir  ])roperty.  and  afterwards  tind 
iiat  their  most  prudent  plan  would  have  been  to  iro 
lircct  to  Canada  bv  wav  t>f  (-iu(.'l)ec  and  Montreal.  Hun- 
ireds  of  such  families  enter  Canada  every  year,  after 
,irevioiis  residence  in  die  States,  and  make  the  most  valu- 
ible  settlers.  Yet  one  cannot  but  grieve  to  lind  them 
;turchase  their  experience  at  a  price  so  great,  from  un- 
:';ivourable  statements  of  the  province. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  volume  of  Amer- 
ican anecdotes,  and  deserves  the  attention  of  the  British 
:overnment  and  the  Canadian  Company.    It  is  sjxjken  of 
m  American  revolutionist.     ''Mr.  Henry  ]>roceeded  to 
>iiew,  in  a  very  forcible  manner,  the   ])olicv  of  using 
■very  possible  means  of  augmenting  the  [population  of  a 
country  as  yet  so  thinly  inhabited  as  America,  whose 
iUture  greatness  he  thus  })rophetically  depicted  :  ••  En- 
ourage  emigration,  encourage  the  husbandman,  the  ma- 
hanics,  the  merchants  of  the  old  world,  to  come  and 
ettle  in  this  land  of  })romise.     Make  it  the  home  of  the 
4ilful,  the  industrious,  and  the  happy,  as  well  as  the  asy- 
um  of  the  distressed.     Fill  up  the  measure  of  your  po- 
i^ulation  as  speedily  as  3'ou  can,  by  the  means   which 
leaven  hath  placed  in  your  power ;  and  I  venture  to 
rophecy  that  there  are  those  now  living  who  will  see 
:l)is  favoured  land  among  the  most  powerful  on  earth. 
They  will  see  her  great  in  arts  and  in  arms,  and  her 
olden  harvests  waving  over  an  immeasurable  extent." 
Let  the  same  be  supposed  as  spoken  of  Canada,  and 
the  same  means  be  taken  to  increase  its  population,  and 
It  will  be  found  that  the  richness  of  its  soil  and  the  sta- 
oility  of  its  government  will  immediately  attract  greater 


:; 


f 


;  ii'ii 


} 


ii\h 


m\ 


fcil'- 


■■  'fi 


1 1 


)• 


1 


i 


:y  :  f:  i 


ii       ! 


'  ,1  I 


if 


228 


CANADA. 


numbers  of  emigrants  than  ever  entered  America.  The 
country  has  hitherto  been  little  known  and  loss  rerard- 
ed.  Those  who  flocked  to  it,  until  the  last  three  years, 
were  generally  persons  without  capital;  a  paucity  of 
]nen  and  money  prevented  the  same  rapidity  of  improve- 
ment as  characterised  the  rival  country.  But  now., 
when  its  resources  are  beginning  to  be  appreciated  and 
nnlblded,  and  the  tide  of  emigiation  to  be  setting  into 
its  territories  in  unprecedented  numbers,  and  with 
greater  wealth,  the  reproach  of  its  enemies  that  it  is 
poor  and  unimportant  will  be  quickly  done  away.  It; 
is  beginning  to  fiirnish  proof  of  this  important  trutli. 
which  those  who  have  visited  the  continent  of  Americi 
can  easily  comprehend,  that  it  is  population  which  im- 
parts value,  to  the  soil,  and  not  the  soil  to  jiopulation. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Clerical  Emigrants — A  German  Missionary — Removal  to  the; 
Falls — A  projected  City — Law-suit — Ropiiblican  Revenge — The 
Indians — Spread  of  Christianity — Character  of  the  English 
Emigrants — Custom-Houso  Oificers — American  Integrity — A 
Michigan  Lady — Buffalo — American  Judgment  of  Mrs.  Trollope 
— Episcopal  Synod  of  America — Political  Absorption — Charch 
of  England  and  America — Return  to  England.  | 

During  the  visitation-dinner,  my  Lord  Bishop  stated 
to  his  clergy  present,  that  he  had  received  intimation  of 
four  clergymen  from  England  and  Ireland,  whose  arrival 
in  Canada  might  be  expected  daily.  One  of  these  short- 
ly afterwards  made  his  appearance,  and  succeeded  me 
at  Thornhill ;  and  another  of  them  arrived  about  the 
same  time,  and  accepted  the  mission  of  New-Market, 
which  I  had  declined  at  my  first  interview  with  his 
lordship.  The  gentleman  who  succeeded  me  had  three 
sons,  whom  he  had  apprenticed  to  different  trades  and 
businesses.     The  youngest  of  these  was  twelve  years  of 


fige. 


first, 


i 


f  ,  V 


A  oermaN  mission  art. 


229 


i  America.  The 
and  loss  regard- 
iast  throe  years, 
al ;  a  paucity  of 
tlity  of  improve- 
itjy.  IJut  now. 
appreciated  and 
be  setting  into 
hers,  and  with 
eniies  that  it  is 
dune  away.  It: 
niportant  'truth, 
lent  ol"  Anneric:! 
ition  which  un- 
o  jjopulation. 


—  Removal  to  the 
an  Revenge — The   . 
'r   of  the   English  * 
lean   Integrity — A  i 
il  of  Mrs.  Trollope  , 
sorption — Charch 


i  Bishop  stated 
id  intimation  off 
,  whose  arrival ! 
'■  of  these  short- 
succeeded  me 
ved  about  the 
New-Market, 
view  with  his 
I  me  had  three 
ent  trades  and 
evolve  years  of  f 


nge.  Children  are  in  Canada  no  .incumbrance  to  parents, 
being  soon  able  to  obtain  a  subsistence  for  themselves. 
The  younirest  of  his  l)ovs  was  k»di,^(Ml,  boarded,  clothed, 
I  believe,  and  received  one  shilling  a  week,  at  the  very 
first,  and  he  would  receive  an  auLi-mcntation  of  salary 
every  year.  My  successor  assured  me,  that  he  con- 
ceived himself  immensely  })enelito(l  by  omigration.  His 
lady,  with  three  daughters,  were  still  in  I'iUglaud,  wait- 
ing till  he  should  have  prepared  a  residence  to  rcccnve 
them.  This  is  the  most  advisable^  method  to  pursue. 
He  expected  that  she  and  her  daughters  would  join  him 
in  the  spring. 

Beton;  we  departed  frr)m  Thornhill,  we  I'cceived  a 
farewell  visit  from  some  of  our  neighbours,  and  among 
the  rest  irom  a  clergyman  who  olliciatcd  in  both  Cicrman 
and  English.  He  had  formerly  been  a  lloman  Catholic 
clergyman;  but  on  becoming  convinced  of  the  errors  of 
popery,  he  abandoned  the  Roman  (church,  and  emigrated 
to  America.  The  present  Bishop  of  (Quebec;  heard  of 
him  when  he  was  engaged  in  a  college  in  the  States  ; 
and  as  there  were  many  Germans  settled  in  Canada, 
over  whom  no  episcopal  minister  wjis  aj)])oint(>d,  his 
lordship  induced  him  to  enter  the  Canadian  church,  and 
superintend  their  s])iritual  instru(.'tion.  His  sti))end,  at 
first,  was  nominally  fifty  pounds  ;  but  he  was  obliged  to 
allow  a  retiring  pension  to  his  superannuated  pi-edeces- 
sor  of  thirty  pounds.  The  second  year,  his  stipend  was 
raised  to  eighty  ])ounds,  but  subject  to  the  same  deduc- 
tion as  before.  His  income  was  therefore  i  ut  twenty 
pounds  for  the  first,  and  fifty  for  every  subse(fuent  year. 
His  parishioners  promised  a  subscription  equal  in  amount 
to  the  pension  he  advanced  to  the  suj)erannuate(l  clergy- 
man, but  never  paid  it.  This  gentleman  comphiined, 
and  I  think  with  great  reason,  that  while  he  was  dis- 
charmncr  the  duties  of  two  clercfymen,  and  in  two 
languages,  he  did  not  receive  a  remuneration  equal  to 
any  other.  He  had  walked  twelve  miles  on  Sundays 
durinf;  twelve  months  between  morning  and  evening 
service,  being  too  indigent  to  purchase  a  horse.  liW. 
Bishop  presented  him  with  money  to  purchase  one,  on 


:<! 


iri 


14 


; 


'■  .! 


14.(1 


m 


230 


CANADA. 


which  he  afterwards  rode.  Tliis  clergyman  had  me- 
morialized the  Archbisiiop  of  Canterbury  in  a  Latin 
letter,  but  had  received  no  answer.  He  had  once  enter- 
tained the  intention  of  presenting  another ;  but  liaving 
learned,  Irom  the  Bisho])'s  visitation  sermon,  that  the 
cliurch  of  (>anada  must  henceforth  depend  on  its  own 
resources,  he  abandoned  tiie  design.  He  has  a  ver}^ 
numerous  family.  It  can  never  be  to  the  interest  of  any 
o.stablishinont  that  its  zealous  and  faithful  servants  should 
Ijo  o\(;rlooke(l.  This  was  a  meritorious  pastor,  and 
highly  deserving  of  more  generous  treatment. 

A  gentleman  on  Yonge-street,  wh<j  had  freciuently  lent 
me  a  licjrse,  sent  his  jaunting-cart  and  waggon  to  convey 
mv  tamilv,  servant,  and  baf^^aue  to  the  steam-boat  at 
York.  The  brother  of  this  gentleman  dntve  the  jaunt- 
ing-cart, his  servant  the  waggon,  and  I  rotle  before  to 
])repare  lor  their  arrival.  I  could  not  have  desired  more 
hospitality  and  kindness  than  I  and  my  family  ex- 
perienced during  our  Canadian  sojourn.  We  jiroceeded 
from  York  to  Ninirara  in  a  steaii.-boat,  and  from  Nia- 
gara  to  the  Falls  in  a  waggon.  Here  we  spent  the 
pieasantest  week  passed  by  us  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Atlantic.  The  stupendous  cataract,  and  the  scenery 
around  it,  deliuhted  us  ^reatlv,  and  made  us  ibrirct  the 
inconveniencies  of  Thornhili. 

It  is  in  contemj)lation  to  build  a  city  near  the  cataract 
of  Niagara,  to  be  called  T.'ie  C'lii/  of  the  Falls.  The 
property  on  the  Canadian  side  adjoining  the  cataract  is 
in  the  hands  of  a  lew  individuals,  of  whom  the  princi])al 
are  .Mt^ssrs.  Clarke  and  Street.  The  ground  lots  for 
building  were  otlered  at  r>0()  dollars  each.  Part  of  the 
lan*l  on  the  American  ;-ide  w;is  clainvd  lj\-  Mr.  Clarke  ; 
but  on  v.iiat  grouiids  1  do  not  know.  His  clahn  was 
disputed  by  an  American,  and  a  law  suit  was  the  conse- 
quence. As  might  be  expected  from  an  American  judge 
and  jury,  the  yVmerican  was  declared  the  rightful 
owner. 

This  action  was  attended  with  exi)ense  to  both  parties, 
and  the  American  thirsted  for  revenge.  The  only  ferry 
over   the  river  at  the  Falls  is  throu'di  JMr.  Clarke's 


grol 


Tgyman  had  me- 
■burv  in  a  Latin 
e  had  once  enter- 
ther;  but  having 
sermon,  that  the 
ipend  on  its  own 

He  lias  a  verj^ 
he  interest  of  any 
_il  scr\ants  should 
ious  pastor,  and 
-itiiient. 

id  tre({uontly  lent 
^igiron  to  convey 
lie  steam-boat  at 
drove  the  jaunt- 
I  rotle  belbre  lo 
xve  tlesired  more 
111}'    family  ex- 

^V\3  jH'oceeded 
,  and  from  Nia- 
e  \\c  spent  the 
>ther  side  of  the 
nd  the  scenery 
ie  us  Ibrget  th*e 

\ar  the  cataract 
/ic  Falls.  The 
■  the  cataract  is 
111  the  princi})al 
ground  lots  for 
I.  Part  of  the 
IN  IMr.  Clarke ; 
His  chum  was 
^\as  the  conse- 

mericanjudge 

\   the 


RKPLRLICAN   REVENGE. 


281 


rightlul 


I')  Itoth  parties. 

The  only  ferry 

Mv.  Clarke's 


grounds  on  the  one  side,  and  through  the  successful 
American  claimant's  on  the  other.  There  is  vet  no 
ferry,  except  ft)r  foot  passengers.  The  Ameri(3au  pro- 
})0scd  to  i\lr.  Clarke,  that  if  he  would  cut  a  road  down 
the  Canadian  bank  for  horses,  wagons,  carts,  (Slq.  he, 
the  former,  would  cut  a  corrospoiuling  road  down  the 
American  bank;  but  that  Mr.  Clarke's  should  be  first 
done.  The  latter  agreed,  and  commenced  the  work 
immediately.  At  an  immense  expense;  Ik;  pn^sccuted 
and  com}ileted  it.  When  tlie  Can;\(lian  road  liad  b(>en 
executed,  the  American  informed  Mr.  Clarke  that  he 
would  not  fulfil  his  part  of  the  agreement.  "  You  caused 
me,"  si.dd  he,  "to  ex))end  s(jine  money  in  the  law  suit, 
and  now  I  have  my  revenge.''  It  would  be  greatly  to 
the  advantage  of  t!ie  American  to  form  his  road,  but  his 
revenge  would  thereby  cease  to  be  gratified.  .Mr. 
Clarke's  road  has  been  executed  sosne  years.  This 
revengeful  feeling  prevails  to  an  astonishing  extent  in 
almost  every  re})ublican  bosom. 

The  place  where  we  lodged,  near  Lundy's-lanr",  was 
at  nearly  ecpial  distances  trcjm  two  churches,  served  by 
one  missionary.  In  the  one  he  performs  mr)rning,  and 
in  the  other  evening  service.  In  these  two  churches  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  jierforminuj  one  Sunday's  iluties. 
The  congregations  were  highly  respectable,  and  very 
well  dressed,  and  also  pretty  numerous.  I  must  say, 
that  duriuG"  all  the  time  of  mv  residence  in  the  States 
and  Canada,  I  never  witnessed  any  thing  ap))roarhing 
to  impropriety  in  any  church.  The  missionary  offered 
to  take  me  in  his  carriages  to  the  Indian  settlement  at 
the  head  of  the  lake,  which  I  should  have  readilv  com- 
plied  with  had  our  stay  been  longer. 

The  Indians  were  uniformly  described  as  indolent, 
and  as  didicult  to  be  roused  to  activitv.  But  vet  the 
rising  generation  were  willing  to  be  instructed.  They 
would  not,  however,  sufl'er  themselves  to  be  driven  to 
anv  thinir,  even  for  their  own  benefit.  Thev  have  to  be 
led,  and  thatgcndv.  The  older  Indians  express  a  great 
contempt  for  learning,  but  yet  encourage  the  education 
of  their  children.     The  mild  spirit  of  benevolence  and 


■II 


:■! 


•  lit 


1 1  |ii 


1   ■  I 


m 


283 


CANADA. 


Christian  principles  are,  however,  not  fruitlessly  bestowed 
on  them.  They  have,  in  many  places,  large  fi^'-ms  of 
cultivated  lands,  and  are  beginning  to  betake  themselves 
to  the  forms  and  habits  of  civilized  life.  There  arc 
missionaries  among  them,  and  also  schoolmasters ;  and 
their  im})r(jvcment,  I  am  told,  is  perceptibly  advancing. 
Portions  of  scripture  have  been  translated  into  most  of 
the  Indian  languages  and  dialects ;  and  even  the  Indian 
diicfs  have  sometimes  aided  in  translating. 

That  the  Indians  believed  in  some  great  and  powerful 
spirit,  prior  to  the  introduction  of  Christianity,  we  have 
iretjucntly  been  told ;  but  I  believe  they  had  no  places 
oi'  worship  devoted  to  his  service.  It  used  to  be  urged 
as  an  argument  of  the  existence  of  the  deity,  that  the 
rational  part  of  creation  almost  universally  refer  the 
derivation  of  their  comforts  and  enjoyments  to  the 
supreme  God,  and  exjiress  their  leelings  of  gratitude  in 
bosannahs  and  thanksgivings ;  that,  whether  their  lot 
has  Ijcen  cast  in  the  howling  wilderness  or  the  crowded 
dty — on  the  icy  plains  of  northern  latitudes,  or  the 
scorching  sands  of  Alrica  and  Asia — on  the  rugged  tops 
of  mountains  almost  destitute  of  verdure,  or  on  fertile 
plains,  their  souls,  impressed  with  religious  veneration, 
turn  instinctivelv  to  tiieir  Maker ;  that  on  whatever  land 
we  enter,  we  hnd  the  temple  and  the  altar,  and  the 
sacred  incense  of  prayer  and  praise  ascending  up  to 
heaven  ;  that  when  wandering  through  forests  or  over 
mountains,  by  cascades  or  foaming  cataracts,  among 
savage  or  civilized  man,  we  meet  every  where  with 
instances  of  the  bended  knee,  and  hear  the  language  of 
adoration.  With  the  Indians  of  America,  that  part  of 
this  description  which  refers  to  temi)les  and  public  wor- 
sliip,  is  not  strictly  correct. 

If,  however,  the  traveller  of  former  days,  before  the 
introduction  of  Christianity,  found  in  every  region  he 
explored  instances  of  prayer,  and  praise,  and  adoration, 
he  will  find  these  religious  feelings  and  expressions  more 
rational,  })ure,  and  fervent  where  the  doctrines  and  pre- 
cepts of  the  (Christian  faith  have  been  promulgated  and 
embraced.     The  Christian  missionaries  who,  in  pagan 


coun 

root( 

now 

spret 

from 

up, 

L(jr( 

desis 

and 


if.  It 


SPREAD    OF   CHBISTIAMTY. 


233 


tlessly  bestowed 
,  large  ih  --ms  of 
take  themselves 
fe.  There  arc 
)oImasters;  and 
tibly  advancing, 
ted  into  most  of 
even  the  Indian 


Hg. 


It  and  powerful 
ianity,  we  have 
had  no  places 
scd  to  be  urged 
deity,  that  the 
sally  refer  the 
yments  to  the 
of  gratitude  in 
ether  their  lot 
)r  the  crowded 
titudes,  or  the 
he  rugged  tops 
3,  or  on  fertile 
•us  veneration, 
whatever  land 
altar,  and  the 
cending  up  to 
brests  or  over 
aracts,  among 
^  where  with 
le  language  of 
I,  that  part  of 
id  public  wor- 

y^s,  before  the 
ly  region  he 
nd  adoration, 
ressions  more 
ines  and  pre- 
nulgated  and 
ho,  in  pagan 


countries,  were  long  impeded  in  their  labours  by  deep- 
rooted  ])rejudices,  and  by  the  princes  of  the  people,  are 
now  triumphantly  succceiling  in  their  object,  and  are 
spreading  the  kno\vl(Hlge  of  Christ  and  his  salvation 
from  pole  to  ])ole.  The  kings  of  the  earth  who  stood 
up,  nnd  the  rulers  who  took  counsel  together  against  the 
Lord  and  against  his  anointed,  have,  in  many  insttmces, 
desisted  irom  opposing,  and  have  become  nursing  I'athera 
and  guardians  of  the  religion  of  the  cross. 

This  great  reformation  in  the  moral  world  has,  under 
providence,  l)een  princij  ally  achieved  by  the  English 
natioh,  auil  cannot  but  bo  contemplated,  by  every  tra- 
veller possessing  British  leelings,  with  }jeculiar  interest 
and  })le;isure.  lie  will  lind,  in  every  place  he  visits, 
multitudes  of  feliow-countrvmen  who  have  emiijrat.ed 
thitlier,  and  introduced  widi  themselves  a  portion  of  the 
arts  and  sciences  of  their  paternal  land.  He  will  find 
them,  wherever  thev  hjcate,  convertinii;  the  barren  wil- 
derness  and  the  almost  impervious  Ibrest,  into  smiling 
and  fertile  regions,  producing  supplies  for  their  own  ne- 
cessities, and  enabling  them  to  contribute,  by  the  chan- 
nels thus  (tpened  to  trade  and  commerce,  to  the  em})loy- 
ment,  and  conseciuently  to  the  comfort  and  happiness  of 
tens  of  thousands. 

The  English,  by  their  enterprise  and  skill,  and  by  un- 
wearied })e]'severance,  im})art  energy  and  life  to  those 
around  them,  and  serve  as  an  example  to  the  whole 
world  of  what,  under  providence,  may  be  accomplished 
by  a  nation  inlluenced  in  an  eminent  degree  by  the  prin- 
ciples of  honour,  integrity,  and  virtue,  and  giving  ex- 
pression to  those  })rincipies  by  unparalleled  exertions, 
and  widening  the  s})!iere  of  their  utility.  Wherever 
they  advance,  the  rigours  of  despotism  cease,  the  sa- 
vage loses  the  ferocity  of  his  nature,  and  ado|)ts  the 
habits  of  civilized  man.  They  have  discovered  that  the 
pure  religion  of  the  gospel  is  too  spiritual  to  be  compre- 
iiendcd  by  men  whose  nunds  are  swayed  by  ignorance 
and  superstition,  and  have  lijunded  seminaries  of  instruc- 
tion in  all  countries  over  which  their  empire  is  extended. 
In  short,  they  appeal'  to  have  been  placed  as  lights  in 


.:* 


i'\ 


A 


!'i 


:  I  ■■! 


I;,  i 


i  ! 
I 


im 


J 

, .  t 

il 

.1      I    . 

i' 

t 


m 


234 


UMTED    8TATBS. 


the  world,  as  a  centre  from  which  the  whole  earth  might 
be  irradiated,  and  liave  been  chiefly  instrumental  in  pro- 
ducing a  moral  and  religious  reformation  in  pagan  coun- 
tries. Those,  in  every  country,  who  speak  their  lan- 
guage, and  have  access  to  their  literature,  imbibe,  more 
extensively  than  others,  the  spirit  of  civil  and  religious 
freedom,  and  are  distinguished  in  dianitv  of  sentiment 
and  action  above  the  rest  of  mankind.  The  nearer  any 
nation  approaches  to  the  laws,  the  constitution,  and  the 
customs  of  England,  the  nearer  it  approaches  to  perfect 
freedom  ;  and  every  deviation  from  these  is,  in  general, 
a  deviation  from  dignity  antl  greatness. 

We  rocrossed  irom  Canada  to  the  States  at  Black 
Rock,  seventeen  miles  from  the  Falls,  and  three  from 
Buffalo.  Many  writers  have  inserted,  that  no  Ameri- 
can will  accept  a  present,  whether  a  waiter  at  an  inn,  a 
custom-house  olliccr,  or  in  any  other  caj^acity  ;  but  that 
he  would  consider  himself  aflronted  if  money  were  offer- 
ed to  him..  Crcdat  JudcEus,  noii  ego.  If  gentlemen  arc 
the  same  all  the  world  over,  so  are  others.  I  offered 
money  to  persons  connected  with  the  custom-house, 
both  at  Black  Rock  and  New- York,  which  was  accept- 
ed at  both  places.  A  person,  also,  employed  in  the  cus- 
tom-house at  New- York  stole  my  umbrella  ;  and  had  I 
not  persevered  \n  calling  at  the  place,  and  making  con- 
siderable stir  about  it.  1  should  have  lost  it  finally.  As 
it  was,  the  rogue  retained  it  a  week.  They  may  per- 
haps assert,  that  all  these  were  Englishmen.  I  do  not 
blame  Americans  for  accepting  presents ;  but  to  hear 
them  extolled  for  qualities  not  })ossessed  by  them,  is  in- 
tolerable. I  presented  some  Eastern  books  to  a  gentle- 
man in  Boston,  from  whom  I  had  received  many  kind 
attentions ;  but  he  made  no  acknowledgments.  An 
American  will  accept ;  but  feels,  or  at  least  expresses, 
no  obligation. 

Mr.  Green,  an  English  gentleman,  accompanied  us 
from  Canada  into  the  States.  I  mentioned  to  him  during 
the  journey,  that  I  had  heard  several  recount  the  robbe- 
ries they  had  suffered  whilst  passing  through  America. 
He  expressed  his  disbelief  of  such  stories.     The  lirst 


vern 
plac 
foun 
tion. 
of  A 
not 


but 
tlie 
had 
sell 


lole  earth  might 
rumental  in  pro 
i  in  pagan  coun- 
ipcak  their  lan- 
es imbibe,  more 
il  and  religious 
ty  of  sentiment 
rhc  nearer  any 
itution,  and  the 
iches  to  perfect 
G  is,  in  general, 

States  at  Black 
md  tliree  from 
hat  no  Ameri- 
ter  at  an  inn,  a 
acity ;  but  that 
icy  were  offer- 
gentlemen  are 
3rs.     I  offered 
custom-house, 
;h  was  accept- 
ved  in  the  cus- 
la  ;  and  had  I 
1  making  con- 
it  finally.     As 
"ley  may  per- 
Hen.     I  do  not 
but  to  hear 
•y  them,  is  in- 
s  to  a  gentle- 
d  many  kind 
5^meiits.      An 
List  expresses, 

;ompanied  us 
to  him  during 
nt  the  robbe- 
gh  America. 
IS.     The  first 


AMERICAN   INTEGRITY. 


235 


thing  presented  to  our  notice,  on  entering  the  Eagle  ta- 
vern at  Buffalo,  was  a  piece  of  paper  in  a  consjiicuous 
place,  describing  some  lost  property  which  had  been 
found,  and  which  the  owner  would  obtain  on  aj)plica- 
tion.  "  Behold,"  he  observed,  "  an  incontestible  proof 
of  American  integrity  !"  I  shall  also  add,tliatwe  could 
not  charge  Americans  with  having  taken  ;iiiy  thing,  ex- 
cept the  umbrella,  surreptitiously.  We  had  stored  our 
books  and  furniture  at  New  York,  and  after  live  months, 
found  them  there  exactly  as  we  left  them. 

We  ])ai(.l  in  that  inn,  for  one  day,  a  dtjllar  and  a  half 
each.  Tlu;re  were  some  sitting  in  the  room,  who  paid 
but  half  a  dollar  each,  and  yet  made  loud  complaints  at 
tlie  enormous  charge.  A  young  American  lady,  who 
had  just  aiTived  from  the  Michigan  Territory,  otlered  U) 
sell  to  Mrs.  F.  her  ear-ring's  and  other  trinkets.  The 
expenses  she  had  incurred,  she  said,  were  so  great  that 
she  was  quite  impoverished  ;  and  she  was  consequently 
compelled  to  dispose  of  them  to  pay  her  way.  She 
was  ver\'  desirous  to  persuade  us  they  were  pure  gold. 
Mrs.  F.  recommended  her  to  compare  them  with  those 
she  wore,  which  the  voung  lady  did,  and  seemed  sup- 
prised  at  the  difference  of  colour  ;  after  which  she  left 
the  room,  and  we  saw  her  no  xnoro. 

Nothing  afforded  me  so  great  pleasure,  as  the  sight 
of  improvements  both  in  Canada  and  the  Stites.  Those 
in  progress  at  Buffalo  justify  the  belief,  that  it  will  at  no 
distant  day  be  an  important  place.  Great  numbers  of 
workmen  were  employed  in  levelling  hills,  and  filling 
up  the  lower  parts  of  the  ground  bordering  the  canaL 

From  Buffalo  we  returned  down  the  canal.  A  young 
Englishman  took  a  jilace  in  the  same  boat,  who  had  re- 
sided four  years  in  America ;  but  who  had  afterwards 
been  induced,  from  multiplied  statements  made  to  him 
of  the  advantages  of  Canada,  to  change  his  country 
once  mt)re.  He  had  been  nine  months  in  Canada,  and 
declared  his  opinion  to  be  that  it  is  incomparably  pro 
ferable,  as  a  residence  for  Englishmen,  to  the  States. 
He  had  received  intimation,  that  some  of  his  relations 
were  expected  from  England  at  the  place  of  his  former 


I    -i 


:  ,!J 


'  i 


I  ' 


I   lid  ' 


236 


rXITED    STATES. 


residencG,  with  a  large  sum  of  money ;  and  had  taken 
the  jonincy  with  no  other  view,  than  to  hinder  them 
from  settling'  in  America. 

On  arrivinij  at  Albany,  I  aijain  called  on  the  jxentle- 
man  whose  kindness  1  had  twice  before  experienced,  and 
enjoyed  as  warm  a  reception  as  before.  J  lis  huiy  was 
seated  by  him.  Mrs.  Trollope's  work  had  made  its  ap- 
pearaii(!e  in  America.  sul)sequent  to  my  previouK  call, 
and  was  the  sul)j(;ct  of  a  f(!W  remarks.  He  admitted 
the  ireneral  correctness  of  her  statements :  and  added, 
"  I  ha\'.'  often  told  my  friends  the  same  thing,  and  that 
Mrs.  T.  is  a  benefactress  to  our  country  ;  in  return  for 
which  they  call  me  an  Englishman."  His  lady  had  no 
mMcious  yearnin!T:s  towards  the  authoress.  She  corro- 
berated,  notwithstanding  her  dislike,  the  trutii  oi'  some 
of  the  statements  contained  in  the  book  ;  the  account 
of  Dorcas  societies,  for  instance,  which  she  said  w^as 
minutely  accurate.  This  gentleman  accompanied  mc 
to  the  steam-boat. 

I  called  on  one  of  the  professors  of  Columbia  college, 
preyious  to  embarking  for  England,  to  take  my  leave. 
He  was  from  home  ;  but  I  had  a  long  conversation  with 
his  lady.  I  inquired  of  every  lady  I  conversed  with 
in  the  States,  if  she  had  read  Mrs.  T.'s  l.>ook.  The 
same  question  was  asked  here.  The  professor's  lady 
was  the  only  female  in  America,  who  made  the  acknow- 
ledgment of  having  read  it ;  although  I  am  i)ersuaded, 
that  it  is  generally  read  by  Americans  from  one  extre- 
mity of  their  country  to  the  other.  "  Can  you  believe, 
Mr.  F.,"  she  inquired,  "  that  any  clergyman  would  act 
as  Mrs.  Trollope  has  described  V  "  1  have  not  wit- 
nessed," I  replied,  "  any  thing  approaching  to  it ;  yet  as 
every  thing  described  by  her,  of  which  I  could  form  a 
judgment,  is  circumstantially  correct,  I  have  no  reason 
to  disbelieve  her  on  that  point."  "  We  can  generally 
tell,"  she  then  said,  "  from  what  class  those  we  converse 
with  have  come.  The  best  informed  from  England  al- 
ways speak  of  us  in  the  same  way.  But  it  is  very  hard, 
that  we  can  admit  no  respectable  English  person  in  our 
houses,  without  running  the  hazard  of  being  exposed  or 


cancj 
I  rep 
it  is  r 
in  El 
In 
woi'k 
lope 
This 
can 
as  res 
ly  an 
anot 
tlie  I 
authc 


A.:\^ 


MBS.  TROLLOPE. 


237 


and  had  taken 
')  hinder  them 

on  tlie  iicntle- 

l)ei-ienced,  and 
J  lis  !;i(iy  was 
d  made  its  ap- 
])revi()ii.s  call, 
lie  admitted 
;  and  added, 

liing,  and  tliat 
in  return  for 

is  lady  had  no 
»She  corro 

tnitii  of  some 
;  the  account 
slie  said  was 

ompanied  me 

imbia  college, 
ike  my  leave. 
^'ersation  with 
Miversed  with 
s  I.H)ok.  The 
jfessor's  lady 
i  the  aeknow- 
m  ])ersuaded, 
►ni  one  extre- 
i  you  believe, 
an  would  act 
lave  not  wit- 
to  it ;  yet  as 
could  form  a 
ve  no  reason 
an  generally 
we  converse 
England  al- 
ls very  hard, 
Derson  in  our 
I  exposed  or 


caricatured."  "  You  will  shortly  have  an  opportunity,** 
I  replied,  "  of  reading  another  work  on  America ;  since 
it  is  my  intention  to  publish  my  remarks,  on  my  arrival 
in  England." 

In  the  preface  to  the  American  edition  of  Mrs.  T.'s 
work,  the  writer  mentions  the  j)robal)ility  of  Mrs.  Trol- 
lope  and  Ca})tain  Hall  being  one  and  the  same  ])erson. 
This  opinion  was  entertained  l)y  almost  every  Ameri- 
can I  sj)()ke  to  on  the  subject.  The  real  ignorance^  there, 
as  respects  literary  sui)jects,  is  quite  surj)rising.  Scarce- 
ly any  are  able  to  distinguish  one  style  of  writing  from 
another,  if  an  American  editor  should  assert  that  all 
tlie  English  books  he  edits  were  the  productions  of  one 
author,  let  them  be  ever  so  dissimilar  in  composition  or 
argumentation,  he  would  be  believed  bv  alm<jst  every 
reader  from  Alaine  to  New  Orleans. 

"What  a  Ibolish  preface  that  is,"  I  observed  to -the 
professor's  lady,  "  which  some  editor  has  prelixcd  to  her 
l)Ook  !"  "Pray,  Mr.  F."  said  she,  "make  no  more  ob- 
servations. The  writer  of  it  is  a  particular  iriend  of 
ours."  "  Pardon  me,  madam,"  said  I,  "for  my  freedom 
in  proposing  <jne  question.  Could  the  author  ()f  it  really 
persuade  himself,  that  Mrs.  Trollo])e  and  Caj)tain  Hall 
are  one  and  the  same  person  ?  The  styles  are  so  dif- 
ferent that  it  is  impossible  to  mistake  them  as  identical." 
"  The  truth  is,"  she  replied,  "  that  Mrs.  T.  had  an  intro- 
ductory letter  to  us ;  and  was  introduced  to  the  writer 
of  tliat  jireface,  and  to  some  others  of  our  ac(|uaintances. 
She  was  })ersonally  known  to  several  in  New- York,  but 
not  generally  known.  The  great  fault  of  Mrs.  Trol- 
lope,"  she  proceeded,  "  is  this.  She  resided  in  a  remote 
part  of  our  country;  and  has  described  the  manners  of 
tlie  peoi)le  there,  as  the  manners  of  the  Americans  in 
general."  To  this  I  replied,  "  that  in  those  circles  in 
which  I  had  the  honour  to  move,  I  observed  no  corres- 
pondence with  her  Cincinnati  delineations.  But  Mrs. 
Trollope  herself  admits  the  same  thing." 

We  had  again  taken  up  our  residence  at  the  lodgings, 
which  Mrs.  F.  had  formerly  selected  during  my  first 
Caug,dian  tour.     The  medical  gentleman,  who,  when  I 


i 

i 

!             1 
( 

^ 

;  1 

:  1     p 

w 


i  r 


:  M 


;  I 


S 


238  U.MTBD  UTATHS. 

disputed  the  superiority  of  American  to  English  ]ihysi-  !  oi  Uic 
cians,  told  me  1  should  never  be  able  to  gain  a  respccta-  contiil 
ble  livin.u;  in  their  country,  boarded  at  the  same  house.  Till  t| 
He  and  some  other  Americans  declared  Mrs.  T.'s  hook 
n  fahricatlon  of  falsehoods.  In  that  land  they  always 
denounce  as  false  whatever  truth  ollends  tlunu.  Her 
statements  were  always  expressed,  said  they,  in  illi1)eial 
and  vulirar  language,  and  arose  from  disapjiointment. 
"If  you  can  show  me,"  I  observed,  "one  statement  in 
her  book,  which  you  can  prove  false  or  illiberal,  i  i)ledfre 
myself  to  do  jKniance  for  my  fair  country  woman, and  will 
cat  her  liook."  The  book  was  procured,  and  1  iiavc  no 
doubt  examined  w^ith  great  attention.  ( )n  the  ibllowing 
morning,  I  desired  them  to  tell  me  if  they  had  detected 
one.  The  farther  mention  of  her  name  was  immediately 
interdicted.  At  the  shop  of  a  bookseller,  from  whom 
Mrs.  F.  and  myself  had  received  many  kindnesses,  1  in- 
quired lor  Mrs.  T.'s  work.  He  replied  "  1  would  not 
keep  it  in  my  store." 

Mrs.  T'sbook  is  producing,  and  will  produce  incalcu- 
lable good  in  America,  and  ;i  wonderful  alteration  in  the 
manners  of  the  people.  Their  great  removal  Irom  other 
nations  more  advanced  in  refinement  and  civilization, 
debars  them  from  possessing  the  same  facilities  with 
other  countries,  of  divesting  themselves  of  national  foj- 
bles  antl  partialities.  The  poor  emigrants  also,  who 
flock  from  other  countries  to  their  shores  ;u'e  really  lx> 
hind  them  in  some  kinds  of  information ;  and  thev  hence 
infer  that  all  those  of  the  same  countries  are  also  behind 
them.  The  highest  class  alone  have  abandoned  this 
opinion.  When,  however,  they  have  perceived  that  no 
really  respectable  and  well-informed  Europ(^an  will  con- 
tinue in  their  country,  longer  than  his  business,  or  the 
purposes  of  travelling  and  making  observations  may  re- 
quire, they  must  find  out  that  something  not  entirely  at- 
tractive pervades  their  national  characte. .  They  pos- 
sess a  high  degree  of  native  talent,  and  of  emulation  as 
far  as  commerce  is  concerned.  When  they  lind  leisure 
for  emulation  in  polite  literature,  and  foster  with  greater 
patronage  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  the  embellishments 


UPISCOPAIi  SYNOD. 


English  jihysi- 
^'aiii  a  rcspccta- 
lie  same  house. 
iMrs.  T.'s  liook 
id  they  Jilway.s 
Is  thciii.  Her 
hey.  in  illihcral 
lisapjioiutiiiem. 
i^  sf  a  lenient  in 
liberal,!  pledrre 
''on!an,ai]{l  v/ill 

and  ]  have  no 
1  the  lollowiniT 
y  iiad  detected 
:is  immediately 
r,  from  whom 
indnesscs,  I  in- 
l  "  1  would  not 

oduco  incalcu- 
teration  in  the 
val  from  other 
I  civilization, 
icilities  with 
national  foi- 
rits  also,  who 
ire  really  }x> 
id  they  hence 
•e  also  behind 
'andoned  this 
eivod  that  no 
lean  will  con- 
siness,  or  the 
tions  may  re- 
)t  entirely  at- 
They  })os- 
emulation  as 
y  find  leisure 
with  greater 
ibcliishments 


230 


o\^  Hfe,  then  European  emigrants  of  a  higher  class  may 
continue  in  their  countiT,  and  find  a  comtortable  home. 
Till  that  peri(»d  many  a  Captain  Hall,  and  Mrs.  Trol- 
lope  will  be  found  among  the  number  of  their  visitors. 

The  Archdeacon  of  Upper  Canada  had  just  published 
•'  77/e  Lifi'  and  Character  of  Bishop  Ib.bart,  in  a  Letter 
to  Dr.  Chaliiicrs^^  of  which  he  presented  me  widi  a  copy 
on  my  de[)arturc  from  Canada.  The  Archdeacon  spoke 
of  a  journey  to  New  York,  that  he  might  be  present  at 
tlic  convention  of  the  clergy.  This  convention  is  trien- 
nial ;  and  is  composed  of  all  the  American  episcopal 
bishops,  who  form  the  upper  house  ;  and  of  four  clerical 
and  as  many  lay  deputies,  from  every  State  which  lias 
joined  the  churcli,  who  form  the  lower.  These  two  sepa- 
rate bodies  enact  such  regulations,  in  tlieir  triennial  con- 
ventions, as  arc  deemed  expedient  for  their  church,  and 
are  made  obligatoiy  on  every  minister  and  every  con- 
gregation of  the  episcopal  establishment  throughout  the 
Union.  Sometimes  a  congregation  solicits  tluj  conven- 
tion for  a  private  regulation  for  itself  alone.  The  Arch- 
deacon did  not  attend  this  synod,  which  was  consid- 
ered as  unusually  interesting  from  the  resignation  of  Dr. 
Chase. 

Dr.  Chase,  the  bishop  of  Ohio,  had,  while  in  England, 
solicited  subscrij)tions  for  a  college  which  lie  was  desi- 
rous of  founding  in  his  diocese.  He  obtaiuetl,  by  this 
means,  a  very  considerable  sum,  and  a})pli('d  it  to  its 
purposed  obj>'ct.  A  college  was  erected.  Dr.  Chase 
claimed  unlimited  control  over  the  establishment ;  which 
produced  a  collision  between  himself  and  the  faculty  of 
the  college  he  had  instituted.  Tarty  sjiirit  ran  high 
against  hhn,  and  a  deposition  from  his  ejiiseopal  dignity 
was  meditated,  on  account  of  the  alleged  tyranny  and 
arbitrary  measures  he  had  ventured  to  })iu's.ie.  This 
was  the  sole  reason  stated  to  me  of  his  intended  deposi*- 
tion.  I  heartl  no  other.  When  he  perceived  his  depo- 
sition meditated,  he  offered  to  resign,  and  his  resignation 
was  refused.  The  question  respecting  him,  discussed  in 
the  convention,  was,  whether  any  bishop  under  a  con- 
templated deposition,  bad  Uie  power  of  resigning.   After 


.  ^1 

4 

\ 

f 

I   t 

i; 

1  !^' 

) 

240 


UNITED    STATES. 


V 


tL  protmcted  discussion  of  some  days,  the  convcntton 
nominated  Dr.  M'llvanc  his  successor,  ^vitllont  de- 
ciding the  question.  As  tlie  convention  liad  been  sitting 
a  week  before  our  arrival  in  New-York  from  ( 'anada, 
the  debates  on  this  question  had  Ijcen  closed,  and  I  con- 
sequently did  not  hear  them. 

At  this  convention,  there  were  four  clergymen  conse- 
crated ])ishops,  among  whom  were  Dr.  jM'Ilvane,  now 
bishop  of  Oiiio,  and  Dr.  Smith,  bishop  of  Kentucky.  It 
is  an  unwonted  occurrence,  for  four  bishn])s  to  be  conse- 
crated at  once.  Dr.  Milnor  and  Dr.  Wainwright  in- 
vited  me  to  be  present  at  the  consecration,  Init  I  found 
this  impracticable.  The  ship  in  which  we  returned  left 
the  place  of  lading  on  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day. 

The  time  we  spent  in  New- York,  on  our  return,  was 
between  i'our  and  live  days ;  the  greater  part  of  which 
was  employed  in  inquiries  for  a  vessel,  and  in  making 
preparation  for  our  voyage.  I  found  time  one  day  to 
enter  St.  John's  church,  in  which  the  convention  wns 
held.  Tiie  ecclesiastical  business  was  nearlv  ended.  One 
of  the  subjects  I  heard  discussed,  was  the  admission  of 
the  church  of  Michigan  into  connexion  with  the  general 
episcopal  church  of  the  United  States,  and  to  a  partici- 
pation of  its  privileges.  No  State  is  obliged  to  accede, 
on  the  first  instance,  to  the  regulations  of  the  episcopal 
church.  It  may  voluntarily  join,  or  it  may  constitute  a 
church  of  its  own.  But  the  continued  adherence  of  any 
State,  which  has  once  united  itself  to  the  general  episco- 
pal church,  is  no  longer  optional.  It  must  r(\gularly  send 
its  deputies,  lay  and  clerical,  to  the  convention,  and  con- 
form it«:elf  to  the  rules  prescribed.  This  observation 
extends  only  to  the  episcopal  portion  of  the  inhabitants. 
This  was  the  first  proposition  from  the  Michigan  terri- 
tory of  joining  the  church,  and  its  final  admission  could 
not  be  ratified  till  the  following  convention. 

The  postures  of  body — when  to  stand,  when  to  sit, 
and  when  to  kneel,  during  the  communion  service — were 
also  regulated  in  the  convention,  during  my  presence. 
Thus  a  uniformity  in  the  conduct  of  all  episcopal  con- 
gregations, throughout  the  Union,  is  preserved  in  every 


EnSCOPAL    SYNOD. 


241 


tlic  convcntton 
)!'.  Avitlifdit  de- 
lind  l)ern  sitting 
k  I'roni  Canada, 
fjsed,  and  I  con- 

crfrymon  consc- 
i\rilvnnc,  now 
'  Kentucky.     It 
>p.s  to  be  consc- 
Vainwriglit  in- 
ion,  l)iit  I  found 
AC  returned  left 
the  same  day. 
our  return,  was 
'  part  of  which 
Euid  in  making 
me  one  day  to 
convention  wa^ 
rly  ended.  One 
10  admission  of 
ith  the  general 
lid  to  a  partici- 
ged  to  accede, 
"  the  episcopal 
ny  constitute  a 
lerencc  of  any 
LTcneral  episco- 
rcLruJarlv  send 
ntion,  and  con- 
is  observation 
he  inhabitants. 
Michigan  terri- 
Imission  could 
1. 

,  when  to  sit, 

service — were 

my  presence. 

piscopal  coi> 

rved  in  every 


church.  In  England  there  may  be  observed  a  great  di- 
versity in  this  respect,  in  ditferent  churches.  If  any 
stranger,  from  a  distant  part  of  England,  should  enter 
a  church  in  or  near  London,  he  will  often  feel  embar- 
rassed by  some  customs  with  which  he  is  unacquaint- 
ed :  he  will  have  to  watch  when  others  stand,  or 
sit,  or  kneel,  that  he  may  imitate  them.  This 
observation  holds  more  forcibly  true,  when  applied 
to  dilferent  country  churches.  By  the  regulations 
of  the  episcopal  synod  of  America,  such  discrepancies 
and  embarrassments  are  prevented  ;  every  episcopal 
congregation  being  required  to  comply  with  the  rubric 
of  their  church. 

In  England,  and,  till  lately,  in  America,  the  new 
version  of  psalms  has  been  appended  to  the  common 
prayer  book.  This  portion  of  the  common  prayer 
book  will,  in  future,  be  exchanged  in  America  for  a 
selection  of  psalms  and  hymns,  to  be  prepared  under 
the  superintendance  of  the  bishops.  This  selection 
wiUbe  printed  uniform  with  their  books  of  common 
prayer,  and  bound  up  with  it,  and  must  be  used  in  all 
American  Episcopal  churches.  In  England,  each 
congregation  may  make  and  publish  selections  of  such 
psalms  and  hymns  as  may  please  its  taste,  without  any 
reference  to  a  synod.  In  America  such  selections  is 
not,  I  believe,  permitted.  This  appears  very  judici- 
ous, and  a  great  advantage.  It  produces  uniformity 
in  psalmody,  as  other  regulations  produce  uniformity 
of  exterior  posture,  in  episcopal  churches  there,  and 
prevents  a  book  of  psalms  and  hymns  used  in  one 
church  from  being  useless  in  another.  The  episco- 
palians of  America  have  long  had  a  selection  of  hymns 
for  public  worship,  but  they  were  hitherto  separate 
from  the  prayer-book.  This  regulation  I  also  wit- 
nessed. 

I  had  many  opportunites  of  obs'^rving  how  entirely 
the  public  mind  in  America  is  engrossed  by  political 
questions.      New-York  was  in  a  ferment  respecting 

V 


242 


UNITED  STATES. 


nf,l   ■ 


'  ^1  j*  r 


l\ 


the  election  of  a  President ;  and  I  believe  notwith- 
standing the  vote  by  ballot,  there  was  much  bribery, 
corruption,  venality,  and  personal  danger  in  that  city, 
as  is  ever  witnessed  in  any  town  in  England.  I  can,  of 
course  only  judge  by  what  I  heard,  and  what  the  pa- 
pers stated.  Some  of  the  clergy  deprecated  very 
much  the  political  confusion  it  occasioned.  I  was  ea- 
ger to  make  inquiries  among  the  people,  what  were 
the  charges  made  against  Bishop  Chase,  but  scarcely 
any  person  knew.  Many  were  ignorant  in  what 
church  the  synod  was  held,  and  several  had  not  even 
heard  of  it.  The  discussion  of  politics  had  uncon- 
trolled possession  of  their  thoughts.  I  had  conversa- 
tions with  several  gentlemen,  native  Americans,  who 
declared  to  me  that  they  had  never  voted  on  any  po- 
litical subject.  The  reason  they  assigned  for  this 
omission  was  the  unbounded  and  tyrannical  despo- 
tism of  the  democratic  influence,  which  rendered  nu- 
gatory the  voting  of  the  more  respectable  classes. 

Many  of  the  episcopal  ministers  of  Canada  think 
favourable  of  the  American  church,  and  imagine  that 
if  their  own  were  made  to  approximate  more  nearly 
to  it  in  church  government,  they  would  find  it  become 
more  flourishing,  and  interest  more  warmly  the  lay 
members  of  its  body.  More  energy  would,  they 
thought,  be  thereby  infused  into  it,  and  its  measures 
invigorated. 

The  Archdeacon  of  York,  in  Upper  Canada,  was  of 
opinion  that  the  system  of  church  government,  which 
connects  church  and  state  so  closely  together  as  to 
admit  of  no  trifling  alterations  being  made  without  the 
intervention  of  parliament,  is  untenable  by  scripture^ 
and  hurtful  to  the  interests  of  the  church  itself.  The 
church  of  England,  he  remarked,  is  the  only  religious 
community  which  does  not  possess  inherent  right  to 
regulate  its  internal  affairs.  There  are  no  synods  of 
its  clergy,  no  unity  of  counsels  and  proceedings,  like 
what  were  possessed  originally  by  the  christian  church, 


Hi 


ciiURCiiKS  OF  ex(;land  and  amkrica. 


243 


ieve  notwith- 
nuch  bribery, 
r  in  that  city, 
md.  I  can,  of 
what  the  pa- 
recated  very 
d.  I  was  ea- 
5,  what  were 

but  scarcely 
ant  in  what 
had  not  even 

had  uncon- 
ad  conversa- 
lericans,  who 
J  on  any  po- 
ned  for  this 
mical  despo- 
rendered  nu- 
B  classes, 
[panada  think 
imagine  that 
more  nearly 
nd  it  become 
rmly  the  lay 
would,  they 
its  measures 

nada,  was  of 
ment,  which 
^ether  as  to 
i  without  the 
)y  scripture^ 
itself.  The 
nly  religious 
ent  right  to 
0  synods  of 
edings,  like 
ian  church. 


or  like  what  are  adopted  by  other  denominations  of 
the  present  day.  The  national  church  ought  to  be  so 
moddled,  as  to  be  able  to  conform  itself,  in  its  outward 
ceremonies,  to  the  improvements  of  the  age. 

I  shall  conclude  my  observations  on  xVmerica  vitli 
some  extracts  from  the  Archdeacon's  letter  to  Dr. 
Chalmers,  on  "  The  Life  and  character  of  Bishop 
Hobert."  The  letter  is  well  written,  and  merits  gen- 
eral perusal.  Bishop  Hobert  had  published  a  sermon, 
on  his  return  to  America  after  a  tour  through  Europe, 
in  which  ho  condemns  the  church  establishments  of 
England,  and  extols  those  of  his  own  country.  I  in- 
troduce them,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  conveying  some 
idea  of  the  difficulties  under  which  the  American 
church  labours,  and  the  progress  it  has  made  notwith- 


mg :— 


I  dined  with  Bishop  Hobert,"  says  the  Archdea- 
con, "  on  my  way  to  England,  in  March,  1S2G,  and 
the  conversaton,  long  and  animated,  turned  on  the 
sermon,  which  had  not  long  been  published.  As  the 
comparison,  I  observed,  is  between  England  and  the 
United  States,  1  shall  confine  myself  to  these  two 
countries ;  but  in  shewing  the  necessity  of  the  ecclesi- 
astical estabUshment  of  England,  for  the  religious  in- 
struction of  the  nation,  I  seek  not  to  vindicate  abuses, 
for  such  may  be  removed,  and  leave  the  establishment 
more  efficient  than  ever.  The  Church  of  England  is 
commensurate  with  the  natural  boundaries  of  the 
country,  which  consists  of  about  55,000  square  miles, 
containing  fourteen  millions  oi  inhabitants,  and  divi- 
ded into  about  11,000  parishes.  The  number  of  cler- 
gymen actually  employed  in  parochial  duties  are  not 
fewer  than  16,000.  The  parishes  may  be  reckoned  to 
contain  five  square  miles  each,  a  space  not  by  any 
means  too  great  for  all  the  residenters  to  attend  regu- 
larly the  service  of  the  church  ;  and  the  average  pop- 
ulation not  quite  900  souls,  or  about  200  families 
for  each  clergyman — a  number  not  greater  than,  if 


II; 

...  J 


:  t  I- 


I- 


s ' 


P 


i'll 


;( 


1 


IM 


yji 


'^^ 


I 


244 


UNITED    STATES. 


vigilant,  he  is  able  to  instruct.  It  is  evident,  that  tlic 
moral  clVect  of  such  a  body  of  men  daily  mixing  v/ith 
their  people,  must  be  very  great,  more  esj)ecially  as 
they  arc  quite  independent  of  them  for  subsistence. 

"L(.t  us  now  look  at  the  episcopal  church  of  the 
I'nitf'd  Slates,  and  see  what  moial  effect  it  can  have 
on  the  population  as  a  source  of  christian  instruction  ; 
for  this,  after  all,  is  the  true  foundation  on  which  to 
iiitroduce  a  comparison  between  it  and  the  church  of 
England  ;  and  if  in  this  it  greatly  fail,  the  comparison 
falls  to  the  ground.  Now  I  shall  give  you  every  ad- 
vantage in  this  matter,  and  instead  of  taking  the  Unit- 
ed States  generalh',  by  which  my  argument  in  favour 
of  England  and  ecclesiastical  establishments  would  be 
much  strengthened,  I  shall  confnie  myself  to  the  State 
of  New  York,  where  the  episcopal  clergymen  arc 
more  numerous,  in  ])roportion  to  tlie  population,  than 
in  any  other  State,  and  superintended  by  the  most 
active  Bishop. 

"  In  this  large  State,  the  clergy  of  the  episcopal 
churcli  are  in  numher  136;  the  population  two  mil- 
lionSj  or  upwards  of  14,000  souls  to  each  ;  the  square 
mile  4G,0lrO.  Hence  the  parishes,  if  we  may  so  de- 
nominate them,  contain338square  miles,  and  are  rather 
equal  to  an  English  county  than  an  English  parish. 
The  inlluence  of  the  two  churches,  as  confined  to 
England  and  New  York,  is  as  one  to  seventy  ;  and,  if 
the  comparison  be  taken  with  all  the  States,  it  becomes 
much  more  favourable  to  England.  Such  influence 
on  the  manners  and  habits  of  the  people  is  next  to  no- 
thing, and  yet  you  extol  your  church  over  that  of 
England,  and  exclaim  against  establishments  !  Add 
to  this,  the  dependence  of  your  clergy  upon  the  peo- 
ple lor  support — a  state  of  things  which  is  attended 
with  the  most  pernicious  consequences.  The  congre- 
gations frequently  take  oflfence  at  their  pastors  with- 
out a  good  reason,  and  in  such  cases  the  latter  derive 
no  protection  from  the  Bishops,  who  are  equally  help^ 


s 
d 

P 

t 


I 


AMERICAN   CHURCH. 


i45 


lent,  that  the 
V  mixing-  v/ith 
especially  as 
ubsistence. 
hiircli  of  the 
t  it  can  have 
I  iiiistruction  ; 
on  wliich  to 
lie  church  of 
c  comparison 
3u  every  ad- 
ing  the  Unit- 
nt  in  favour 
nts  would  be 
'  to  the  State 
rg-ymen   are 
ilation,  than 
)y  the  most 

c  episcopal 
on  two  mil- 

the  square 
may  so  de- 
d  are  rather 
:lish  parish, 
confined  to 
ty  ;  and,  if 

it  becomes 
h  influence 
next  to  no- 

er  that  of 
nts !  Add 
)n  the  peo- 
is  attended 
he  congre- 
stors  with- 
tter  derive 
laliy  help.. 


less  with  themselves.  There  are,  donbtless,  many 
splendid  exceptions;  but,  in  general,  the  clergy  of  all 
denominations  in  the  United  States,  are  miserably  de- 
pendent upon  their  congregations.  The  result  is,  that 
they  too  frequently  sink  below  the  rank  which  they 
ought  to  hold  in  society,  and  whatever  be  their  perso- 
na] merit,  they  fail  to  command  that  respect  from  a 
vain,  and  tlioughtless,  and  undiscerning  peojjle,  which 
is  necessary  to  secure  attention  to  their  instructions. 
It  may  be  that,  accustomed  from  their  childhood  to 
temporary  engagements,  the  clergy  partake  of  that 
resliess  disposition  and  desire  of  change  so  common 
ill  WW  counties,  and  think  little  of  going  with  their 
families  front  State  to  State,  in  search  of  a  new  set- 
tlemen*.  It  cannot  be  supposed  that  clergymen  so 
situated  will  at  all  times  speak  with  that  fearless  disre- 
gard of  consequences  which  the  proper  discharge  of 
their  duty  may  often  require.  The  dilference,  then, 
of  the  tv/o  churches  is  this,  that  while  in  England  the 
country  is  partitioned  into  parishes,  over  which  a  spir- 
it;ial  heal  is  appointed,  to  be  the  moral  and  religious 
instructor  of  its  population,  and  to  add  new  converts 
to  tlie  faith  by  familiar  and  daily  ministrations  from 
house  to  house  ;  the  church  in  the  Uniteil  States  pre- 
sents only  a  fvAv  verdant  spots,  bearing  marks  of  recent 
cultivation,  distinguished  chiefly  by  their  contrast  with 
the  barrenness  of  the  surrounding  waste. 

"  Yet,  notwithstanding  all  this,  I  admit  that  the  pro- 
gress of  the  Episcopal  Protestant  Church  in  the  Uni- 
ted States  has  been  wonderful,  and  that  she  carries 
with  her  the  divine  blessing  :  and  believing,  as  I  do, 
that  she  will  not  only  far  outstrip  all  other  denomina- 
tions, but  that  the  communion  of  which  she  is  a  part 
is  destined  to  evangelise  the  whole  world,  I  should 
have  rejoiced  in  concurring  entirely  in  the  animated 
praises  you  pronounce  uponher,  hadyounotcondemn- 
ed  ecclesiastical  establishments,  and  placed  her  in  her 
infancy  above  the  mother  church.     In  this  you  greatly 


..# 


1   :  5- 

,:   .(       ,:;:■ 

'5        .(     ■ 

„      U' 

> 

i       i 

'1     '     ''' 

it 

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l|      ,: 

[1; 

!  ■■ 

'  V- 

;  jr- 

f-   -  :  i 

:n           f: 

f' 

1 

':     ■ 

■ 

'f 

i 

,.:  -      i    ■ 

i  i 

^1       i^ 

1  " 

1 

>i 

iibi 

I  ^- . 

t ; 

!vV     • 

•    ;■ 

■  i 

r^f* 

, ' 

i 

0   ■  ! 

! 

1      ,  ; 

f  * 

'"1  1. 

■    i       * 

f 

i    ; 

*!' :     ; 

i 

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Ml 

} 

!i  1 

i'lf^ 


846 


UiaTBD  STATSt. 


err,  and  when  you  picture  to  your  fancy  England 
studded  with  parish  churches,  regularly  served  in  all 
the  beauty  of  holiness,  and  turn  to  this  country,  with 
a  church  at  vast  intervals,  and  a  clergy  not  sufficient 
to  supply  the  wants  of  one-twentieth  of  the  population, 
you  must  feel  the  advantages  of  an  ecclesiastical  es- 
tablishment. In  England,  you  behold  the  genius  of 
true  religion  entering  into  every  family ;  but  here,  un- 
less in  some  favoured  spots,  you  behold  the  spirit  of 
false  religion,  infidelity,  error  and  superstition,  traver- 
sing the  length  and  breath  of  the  land,  and  withering, 
with  its  pestilential  breath,  public  as  well  as  domestic 
and  personal  happiness  and  virtue." 

'*  Sir,"  said  the  Bishop,  interrupting  the  declaimer, 
"  you  are  becoming  too  severe."  He  had  hardly  spo- 
ken the  word,  when  the  door  opened,  and  a  (man  from 
the  Catskill  Mountains  was  introduced,  who  told  the 
Bishop  that  their  missionary's  time  had  almost  expired, 
and  that,  being  few  in  number,  they  could  not  engage 
him  for  six  months  longer,  unless  some  aid  could  be 
granted  them  from  the  missionary  fund.  The  good 
bishop  promised  them  the  necessary  assistance,  and  on 
his  departure  said,  with  a  smile,  "  How  unlucky  that 
my  country  friend  should  come  in  the  mJdst  of  this 
discussion,  to  shew  the  nakedness  of  the  land.  He 
confessed  that  I  hau  placed  ecclesiastical  establishment 
in  a  point  of  view  which  was  somewhat  new  to  him, 
and  was  pleased  to  conclude  the  conversation  with  ob- 
serving, that  whatever  his  opinion  might  be  on  eccle- 
siastical establishments,  he  loved  with  all  his  soul  the 
Church  of  England." 

Our  departure  from  the  shores  of  America  was  very 
hasty,  and  we  had  a  very  favourable  passage.  The 
vessel  reached  soundings  in  about  seventeen  days,  and 
in  a  little  more  than  three  weeks  from  the  time  of  em- 
barkation, arrived  in  London.  Before  leaving  New- 
York,  I  was  invited  by  Dr.  Milnor  to  dinner,  and  by 
Dr.  Wainwright  to  tea;  but  compliance  was  impossi- 


BBTUBN  TO   EX6LAND. 


247 


ble.  I  experienced  many  favours  from  several  Ameri- 
cans, and  take  this  opportunity  to  acknowledge  them. 
My  impression,  whilst  in  America,  was  that  the  high- 
er orders  are  in  advance  of  the  civil  institutions  of 
their  country. 


